Abdulganiyu Babaimole, the commentator arrested for criticising Kwara State’s Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq bridge project, has been released on bail.
Mr Babaimole was arrested on December 22 in the Pakata area of Ilorin. He was arraigned on Thursday alongside Soliu Muhammed Onirakunmi, also arrested in the metropolis.
They were arrested by a surveillance team attached to the state’s police command over comments made on social media regarding the Tanke Bridge project in Ilorin.
Messrs Babaimole and Onirakunmi were arraigned before Chief Magistrate I.J. Bamigboye, who admitted them to bail against the argument of the prosecutors who had prayed the court to remand them in custody.
Mr Bamigboye dismissed the prosecutors’ arguments, which said the men would “intimidate officials of the state’s Ministry of Communication, tamper evidence against them, and make it difficult to arrest other alleged suspects in the case,” National Pilot reported.
In his ruling, the magistrate chided the prosecutors for arraigning the accused and making large claims without presenting any evidence before the court.
He admitted the duo to N200,000 bail and two sureties in like sum who are expected to be civil servants of Grade Level 14 or above. They are also expected to be blood relations with the defendants and have a title document.
The matter was adjourned until March 7, 2024.