The hope of two suspects, Bamidele Temitope and Afolabi Sunday who were involved in the alleged theft of $50,000 from Ekiti State Government House, to be released on bail was dashed as an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court turned down their bail application.
Chief Magistrate, Adesoji Adegboye said at the court’s sitting on Wednesday that he would not grant the two accused persons bail because of the prosecution’s intent to try the case in the High Court.
The ruling was consequent upon an application brought by state counsel, Mrs. Bola Oyewole, who told the court that the Attorney General was taking over the prosecution of the case.
Mrs. Oyewole said Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the Attorney General to take over the matter noting that the matter will now be heard at the High Court.
Counsel to the first accused person, Tosin Ogundahunsi, insisted that the application from the Attorney General was not enough to stop the ruling of the court saying all parties were already in court for the ruling.
Counsel to the second accused person, Emmanuel Adedeji, argued that although the Attorney General has the power to take over the matter, the court must be put on notice.
Adegboye said since the prosecution has applied to take the case to High Court, it will be better for the lawyers to the accused to approach the High Court for their bail.
“Since the intent of the prosecution is to try the accused at the High Court, the bail of the accused persons is refused. Counsel are advised to seek for the bail at the High Court.”
He, thereafter adjourned to February 9 for mention.
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