Group Condemns Granting Bail Over Serious Crimes, Seeks AG Intervention
A group, World Institute for Peace, WIP, has expressed concern over alleged cases of Justices and judges granting bail applications to individuals accused of serious crimes such as terrorism, murder and kidnapping.
This is as the group also urged the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to issue a warning to all justices and judges across courts in the country.
The group raised this concern through a statement signed by its Executive Director, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi and made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday.
Omotoyosi in the statement also revealed that they have information that some justices and judges have been granting bail to individuals who have been declared wanted for capital offences by the Nigeria Police Force.
While advocating that the practice is not only sad but also dangerous to the lives of the families of the victims and the society at large, he added that the suspects should be kept in remand until after the judgment has been made to ensure the safety of the public especially the complainants.
In his words, “It has come to our attention that some justices and judges have been granting bail to individuals who have been declared wanted for capital offences by the Nigeria Police Force.
“This practice is not only sad but also dangerous to the lives of the families of the victims and the society at large.
“Granting bail to individuals accused of such heinous crimes puts the safety and security of the public at risk.
“These individuals pose a serious threat to society and should not be allowed to roam freely while awaiting trial.
“By granting bail to these suspects, justices and judges are endangering the lives of innocent citizens and undermining the justice system.
“We urge the Attorney General of the Federation to take immediate action and warn all justices and judges to exercise caution when considering bail applications for individuals accused of terrorism, murder and kidnapping.
“These suspects should be kept in remand until after the judgment has been made to ensure the safety of the public especially the complainants.”
While condemning the alleged act, Omotoyosi maintained that Justices and judges have a responsibility to protect the public and uphold the rule of law.
“The World Institute for Peace strongly condemns the practice of granting bail to individuals accused of terrorism, murder and kidnapping.
“Justices and judges have a responsibility to protect the public and uphold the rule of law.
“We call on the Attorney General of the Federation to take swift action to address this issue and ensure that justice is served in Nigeria.”
Recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo had last week Tuesday granted bail to Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, an ally of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Olalekan who was docked on eleven counts bordering on conspiracy, terrorism, unlawful killing, and arson among others was denied bail as the court requested a formal application from his counsel, Edmond Biriomoni, after which the matter was adjourned twice after pleading not guilty to the charges.
