Pelumi Olajengbesi, counsel to the 12 aides of Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, has distanced himself from a report alleging that Justice Obiora Egwuatu travelled abroad in a bid to evade signing the release warrant of his clients.
Justice Egwuatu had on August 4 admitted the 12 applicants to bail following a suit filed by their lawyer for enforcement of their fundamental rights.
Eight of the detainees were granted bail in the sum of N5 million each with two sureties in like sum while the remaining four were admitted to bail in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties in like sum who must be federal civil servants.
Mr Olajengbesi, who condemned the allegation against Justice Egwuatu, disassociated himself from such reports.
He said, “We have received several calls and messages across the globe trying to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of some media reports currently in circulation on social media and news outlets particularly outside the country with respect to the above subject matter.
“It has therefore become imperative for us to put up this public notice so as to set the records straight.
“The report that the Hon. Judge handling the matter was kidnapped by unknown gunmen is not only false but condemnable as same is far from the truth.
“The report that the said Hon. Judge travelled out of town in an attempt to evade signing the release warrant of the applicants is equally condemnable and we do not want to be part of such reports.
“Also, let it be known that where a judge is absent under such a circumstance, any other judge within the Federal High Court can sign the release order and that is in process.”
He said the process of perfecting the bail conditions of those in custody was still in progress in accordance with the rules and practice of the court.
The 12 applicants, who have been in the detention of the Department of State Services (DSS) since July 2, were arrested on July 1 during a raid on Sunday Igboho’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.
