DSS attempts to stop bail for four of Igboho’s aides

By Rasaq Adebayo

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 12 noon on Thursday to rule on the application for bail filed by the detained 12 associates of the advocates for Yoruba nation, Sunday Igboho.

But the Department of State Services through its lawyer, Mr. I. Awo, opposed the bail application of four of the aides, Amudat Habitat Babatunde, Abideen Shittu, Jamiu Noah Oyetunji and Bamidele Sunday accusing them of deep involvement in stockpiling arms.

He argued that they might flee like Igboho their principal who is currently standing criminal trial in Benin Republic, after he was declared wanted in Nigeria.

He said: “Rather than turning himself in, he decided to flee this country. There is no guarantee that these four applicants will not follow same if released on bail.

“There are credible information on how friends, family and associates of these same four applicants are making contacts with potential witnesses identified by the DSS.

“Some have been pressurised not to turn up in an event that they will be tried.

“These four applicants will jeopardise ongoing investigation if released.

“Finally, it is our submission that once investigation is concluded, the Respondents will not hesitate to charge them to court.

“At that point, we may concede to an accelerated trial. We do not want to take for granted the safety of our potential witnesses.

“We therefore ask this court to deny these four applicants bail in order not frustrate this process.”

The counsel who did not oppose the bail application of the eight others, prayed the court for leave to further detain the four applicants for another 14 days to enable it to conclude its investigations.