Recently, a Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State approved the bail application of Olalekan Oyeyemi, an appointee of Governor Ademola Adeleke, with a bail sum of N50m, to be furnished by two sureties of equal value.
The judge specified that the sureties must include a traditional ruler in the state and a level-17 civil servant or a member of the National Assembly as the second surety.
Popularly known as ‘Emir’, Oyeyemi is a member of Osun Park Management System and is facing a 10-count charge that includes conspiracy, malicious damage, unlawful killing, and acts of terrorism. He pleaded not guilty, with his lawyer, Edmund Biriomoni, filing a formal bail application for his release.
During the last court session on March 19, the presiding judge, N. Ayo-Emmanuel, postponed the ruling on the bail application and counter application for Oyeyemi (Emir), stating that the next court date would be communicated to all parties involved.
Following the hearing, Oyeyemi was remanded back to the Ilesa Correctional Centre where he has been detained since his initial court appearance on February 1.
Among the charges brought against him, one reads, “That you, Oyeyemi Olalekan a.k.a. Emir and cohorts now at large on or about 27th day of February 2022 at Orita CMS, Osogbo, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while acting in concert conspired together to commit felony to wit: Acts of Terrorism by moving well arm to create fear in minds of the residents and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 26(1)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“That you Oyeyemi Olalekan a.k.a. Emir and others now at large on or about the 27th day of February 2022, at Orita CMS, Osogbo, Osun State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while acting in concert conspired together to commit felony to wit: Acts of Terrorism by being armed with guns, terrorising All Progressive Congress supporters and other residents, attacked to kill one Muraina Olayiwole ‘m’ and Tope ‘m’. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“That you Oyeyemi Olalekan a.k.a. Emir and others now at large on or about the 27th day of February 2022 at Orita CMS, Osogbo, Osun State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, based on political differences unlawfully killed Muraina Olayiwole ‘m’ by shooting him.”
However, the prosecutor from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Rabiu Usman, opposed the bail application, stating the need for a formal response to be filed.
During the subsequent hearing, Justice Ayo-Emmanuel ruled that the prosecutor failed to present enough evidence to persuade the court from granting the bail. He mentioned that the prosecution had yet to provide concrete evidence to support the charges against the defendant, even seven months after his arrest.
Consequently, Oyeyemi was granted bail in the amount of N50 million, to be secured by two sureties in the same sum.
Moreover, one of the sureties must be a recognized traditional ruler in Osun State, while the second surety should be a level 17 civil servant or a member of the National Assembly.
The judge also stipulated that both sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and instructed the defendant to submit an affidavit committing to good behavior and pledging not to engage in any activities that could jeopardize the case.
The case was then adjourned until May 16 for further proceedings.