BREAKING: Nigerian High Court Rejects Ijele’s Oral Bail Application, Orders Remand Of Social Media Influencer In Prison
The Federal High Court in Lagos has declined an oral bail request from Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele, a social media influencer. In April, a magistrate court in Abuja dismissed a case against Ijele, involving charges of criminal intimidation, threat to life, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying, due to lack of jurisdiction.
However, the Federal High Court ordered the police to arraign Ijele before a competent court, following the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. Previously, the Nigeria Police Force, acting on the alleged orders of Evangelist Ebuka Obi’s Zion Prayer Ministry Movement Outreach, had obtained a court order to remand Ijele in prison for two weeks.
During Monday’s proceedings, Ijele’s lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), made an oral bail application, which was countered by the prosecutor citing substantial evidence against Ijele. Falana invoked the precedent of MKO Abiola’s case in 1994 to argue for the acceptance of oral bail applications when supported by sufficient materials.
However, Justice Aluko rejected the oral application, insisting on a formal application. Falana requested that Ijele be returned to the police station, but the police requested his remand in prison pending bail determination. Consequently, Ijele is to remain in prison until the formal bail application is filed.
The case has been adjourned to May 30, 2024, for further proceedings.
In summary, the Federal High Court rejected an oral bail application from social media influencer Ijele and ordered his remand in prison pending a formal bail application. This decision follows previous legal proceedings and marks a significant development in Ijele’s case.
SaharaReporters
