Alleged Exam Malpractices: Adeleke Gets Bail on Self Recognisance
I ‘ve faith in judiciary, says senator
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the recent Osun State governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has been granted bail on self recognisance by the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.
This development is coming as Adeleke has reaffirmed his faith in the Nigerian judiciary, describing the institution as a ‘citadel for justice seekers’
Senator Adeleke; his brother, Sikiru Adeleke, and three others were yesterday arraigned on a four-count charge of examination malpractices.
The others are; Alhaji Aregbesola Mufutau (Principal, Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Ojo-Aro Osun State); Gbadamosi Thomas Ojo (school Registrar), and Dare Samuel Olutope (a teacher).
Upon their arraignment yesterday by the federal government, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
Counsel to Senator Adeleke, Chief Alex Izinyon (SAN), informed the court of a bail application dated and filed on October 12, 2018.
He informed the court that Senator Adeleke is currently enjoying administrative bail granted him by the police and has not jump bail since, adding that Adeleke is a serving Senator and would always appear in court for his trial if released on bail. Similarly, counsel to the second and third defendants, Nathaniel Oke (SAN), and Abdulsalam Abdulfatah, respectively moved the bail applications for their client, while the court declined attempt by Oke to move an oral application for the 4th and 5th defendants.
However, prosecution counsel, Simon Laugh did not oppose the bail applications.
In a short ruling, trail judge, Justice I. E. Ekwo who noted that bail is at the discretion of the court, granted the applications as prayed, adding that the prosecution while not opposing the motion admitted that the defendants are all on administrative bail.
Consequently, the judge announced bail for Adeleke in the sum of self recognisance while the 2nd and 3rd defendants are in the sum of N2 million each.