Court Arraigns Osoba, One Other Over Threats To Life, Grants Bail

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

Comrade Niyi Osoba, ex-Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ogun State chapter and Lukman Ejalonibu were arraigned at the Magistrate’s Court in Ijebu Ode, on Wednesday over an allegations of threats to life.

The duo were arraigned by the police based on the complaints lodged against them by Austin Oniyokor, the Media Adviser to Senator Buruji Kashamu, alleging threats to life when he replied their various publications wherein they assassinated the character of his principal.

Immediately the case was called, counsel to both parties announced their appearance. Apart from the police prosecutor, Oniyokor’s private counsel, Mr. Tunde Ologunde and his team, were also in court to watch the briefing on behalf of their client.

The four-count charges were read to the defendants who pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel prayed the court to grant them bail on liberal terms because of their status within Ijebu Ode.

But, the Prosecution counsel opposed the bail application, saying their status in the society was unknown to law.

After taking arguments from both the prosecution and defence counsel, the court granted the defendants bail with two sureties to the tune of N500,000 each with evidence of tax payment and a developed property within the jurisdiction of the court which are to be verified by the court officials.

The court ordered that the defendants should be remanded at the Ijebu Ode Area Command of the Police pending when the bail conditions are perfected, and adjourned till 2nd of July, 2020.

Meanwhile, in a phone conversation, Comrade Osoba, who have been granted bail and was about leaving the court premises, hereby denied the allegation leveled against him and Ejalonibu by the complainant.

He stated that he can never stoop so low to be involved in such acts, having held an esteem position in the state. He added that the complainant was dancing to the tone of his master just to embarrass him and to co-hoarse him into his group.

Also, he confirmed that no amount of maiming and embarrassment from Senator Kashamu would succeed and make to pitch tent with him.

“Austin is too small for me to be threatened. And I can never do such. My reputation as labour leader and other fields stand me out as gentleman who cannot kill a rat,” he concluded