Detained Premium Times journalist, Samuel Ogundipe, has been released.
Ogundipe, who has been in detention since Tuesday, August 14, by the Police for releasing the correspondence between the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo and Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on the National Assembly siege.
Ogundipe was released on Friday morning, August 17 after he was granted bail by magistrate Abdulwahab Mohammed of the Kubwa Grade 1 Magistrate Court in Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
A report by Premium Times revealed that the magistrate first heard the case on Wednesday, August 15 after Mr. Ogundipe was secretly arraigned without being allowed legal representation.
On that day, Magistrate Mohammed granted a request by the police that the journalist be detained for five days until August 20.
However, on Friday morning, the news outlet learned Ogundipe was to be taken to the same court. The company’s lawyer, Jiti Ogunye was thus present at the court.
At the court, Ogunye argued for the bail of Ogundipe, a request that was not opposed by the police counsel.
Magistrate Mohammed granted the bail in the sum of N500,000 and a surety who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction.
The bail conditions were met and Ogundipe was released.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.