Again, court denies journalist, Agba Jalingo, bail for criticising Ben Ayade

Agba Jalingo charged for criticising Ben Ayade
Source: Crossriverwatch.com

A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has again refused the bail application of a journalist, Agba Jalingo, who is facing treason charges for a report about alleged diversion of N500 million by Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade.

Justice Simon Amobeda on Wednesday adjourned the hearing to November 5 and 6th, 2019 for continuation.

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Prosecutor Dennis Tarhemba prayed that the court should adjourn after Mr Jalingo took his plea.

Defence counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-fusika, countered and prayed the court to grant Jalingo bail.

Justice Amobeda, however, said the circumstances did not warrant granting the defendant bail, adding that the number of adjournments requested by the prosecution had not exceeded what is prescribed by law.

Jalingo, publisher of CrossRiverWatch newspaper based in Cross River, alleged that Mr Ayade approved and diverted N500 million for Cross River Micro Finance.

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Arrested on August 22, Jalingo spent 34 days in police detention before being arraigned on September 25.

He is being tried for terrorism, treasonable felony and attempt to topple the Cross River State Government.