A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has today granted bail to 12 aides of Yoruba Nation secessionist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
While delivering the ruling, Justice Obiora Egwuatu declared that no clear charge has been brought against the aides since their arrest on July 1.
The court also maintained that detaining them without charging them contravenes the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and their fundamental rights.
Eight of the applicants were granted bail in the sum of N5million each with a surety that resides in Abuja, and in like sum.
The other four applicants were granted bail in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties that also reside in Abuja, and in like sum.
Among the additional conditions for granting bail to the last the four applicants are that one of the two sureties must be:
A Federal Government employee not below grade level 12
Must present evidence of three years’ tax payment and the document of their property must be verified by the DSS and the court.
The court also ruled that the 12 applicants are to remain in the custody of the DSS until they are able to perfect all conditions for their bail.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, counsel to the applicants, had earlier pleaded with the court to grant an order for his clients to be moved to a police facility. He expressed fears that they might be physically harassed if they continue to remain in the custody of the DSS.
However, Justice Egwuatu, refused to grant the prayer as he said he had not seen any convincing reason to grant it.
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