Alex Enumah in Abuja
Mr. Muhammed Zubairu of the Magistrate Court in Mpape, Abuja, yesterday, granted bail to five ‘Buhari-Must-Go’ protesters in the sum of N500, 000 each and a surety in like sum.
The court admitted the defendants to bail shortly after their arraignment and subsequent argument for their bail application by their lawyer.
The defendants, Mr. Ben Manasseh, Mr. Anene Udoka, Mr. Henry Nwodo, Mr. Samuel Larry and Mr. Samuel Gabriel, were arrested by the Department of State Service (DSS) at the Dunamis International Gospel Church, along Airport Road, Abuja, on July 4 for wearing T-Shirts with the inscription, ‘Buhari-Must-Go,’ to the church.
Only few days ago, Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, ordered the DSS to release them unconditionally.
The order was made sequel to an exparte application for their release by their Counsel, Mr. Tope Temokun.
Instead of complying with the order, the security agency hurriedly filed charges against them that bordered on alleged disturbance of public peace amongst others.
However, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges read against them.
Zubairu, in a short ruling, held that bail could be granted for the charges against the defendants, adding that they had been held by the DSS since July 4 without trial.
As part of the bail conditions, the sureties are to submit their passport photographs and a means of identification to the court.
The sureties, who must be residents of Abuja, must also have reliable means of livelihood.
He subsequently adjourned till August 23 for trial.
