Independence Day Blast: Again Court Denies Okah Bail

Hello Friends!

News Source: PM News:
For the second time running, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday declined a fresh application for bail brought before it by suspected Independence Day twin bomb blast masterminds, Charles Okah and two others.

The court also stayed proceedings in the matter to allow the Court of Appeal reach a decision on an application filed by Okah and Nwabueze challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

Okah was initially standing trial alongside Obi Nwabueze, Edmund Ebuware and Tiemkemfa Francis, but Francis died on 2 March in prison custody.

At today’s proceedings, counsel to Okah and Nwabueze, Mr. Oghenovo Otemu orally applied for bail of his clients after he informed the court that the inhuman conditions the accused persons are subjected to in Kuje prisons has resulted to their ill-health.

He told the court that the accused persons are still being locked up in their cells for 24 hours and are not allowed to exercise or go to worship centres.

Mr. Otemu had told the court last year that the cells of the accused persons were fumigated while they remained inside.

He had also told the court that his clients informed him that prison officials said they were directed by the State Security Service, SSS, to torture them so they will be forced to apply to be moved back to SSS custody.

He prayed to the court to grant the accused persons bail on liberal terms so as to enable them attend to their health issues.

Opposing the application, prosecuting counsel Alex Iziyon, a senior advocate of Nigeria, asked the court to be hesitant in exercising its discretion in granting the application.

He said statements made by Mr. Otemu regarding the accused persons’ living conditions in prison, is malicious, unverified and highly speculative.

He further argued that no material has been placed before the court to support the allegations that the SSS instructed prison officials to torture the accused persons.

Denying the application for bail, Justice Gabriel Kolawole said he had already refused a written application for bail, as such they cannot come back orally.

He however ordered that the Prisons Comptroller should ensure that the accused persons are not locked for 24 hours in their cells and should be allowed to exercise and worship.

The court also condoled the family of the dead accused person and described the incident as unfortunate.

He stated that the court did its best to ensure the late Francis got the medical attention he needed, as he had given a directive that he should be taken to the hospital.

Justice Kolawole advised the third accused person, Mr. Edmund Ebuware who wants his case to be separated from others to formally apply so that his trial can continue.

Last Words: Request for bail on Health grounds, is an old excuse that is becoming too outdated! Let the Law on this matter, take its full course!

xoxo

Simply Cheska...