It took the intervention of armed policemen on Tuesday to rescue three journalists covering the trail of Oyeyemi Olalekan, an ally of Governor Ademola Adeleke who is standing trial for terrorism and murder of four people.
It could be recalled that Oyeyemi popularly known as Emir was arraigned on March 13th 2024 on ten-counts charge of conspiracy, terrorism and killings. After which his (Oyeyemi) counsel, Edmund Biriomoni filed formal bail application.
Meanwhile, at the trial on Tuesday, thugs who came in solidarity of the defendants threatened to kidnapped and maim journalists including reporter of The Nation Newspaper anytime they stepped out of the courtroom.
The journalists were held up inside courtroom for about 40minutes after the court sitting. The Osun State Police Command was contacted and operatives was sent to the court to rescue journalists.
The thugs were waiting eagerly at the entrance of the court in clusters number about eighteen while an unregistered car was stationed beside the road in front of court to kidnap them. Police evacuated the newsmen and the thugs were raining verbal threats on them as they leave.
During sitting, Biriomoni informed the court that a formal bail application was filed and served on March 13th 2024. He noted that the application was filed on seven grounds.
He said “I urge your lordship to admit him(Oyeyemi) to bail. The prosecution counsel has filed a five-paragraph counter application to our bail but we have replied them. I am not saying the offences are bailable but bail is at the discretion of the court.”
The counsel to Inspector General of Police, Francis Osie opposed the bail application and informed the court that a counter motion had been filed. He hinged his opposition on Sections 162 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice, 2015.
Osie also submitted that bail is at the discretion of the court.
Justice Ayoola reserved the ruling on the bail application, noting that the date will be communicated to the parties involved.
