Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, on Friday, granted bail to 12 suspects accûsed of kïlling an Ajayi Crowther University student, Jeffrey Akro.
Justice Ladiran Akintola set the bail at ₦5 million for each defendant, with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a biological parent.
The suṣpects earlier pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge. The trial has been adjourned until February 21, 2025.
Justice Akintola emphasised in his ruling that the granting of bail does not equate to a declaration of innocence or acquittal. Counsel to the prõsecution, Victor Otomiewo, noted, “The most important thing is the pronouncement and what every lawyer knows is that the granting of bail is not a declaration of innocence or acquittal.
Similarly, Wole Efunnuga, Counsel to the seventh defendant, commended the judge’s approach, stating that the “ruling represented the views of all the parties involved.”
Peoplesmind
