Ife crisis: Monarch, others released on bail

PHOTO:AFP

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo yesterday released on bail an Ife monarch, Oba Ademola Ademiluyi, Pastor Taiwo Fakowajo and four other suspects arrested in connection with the recent crisis between the Yoruba and Hausa communities.

The suspects, who had been remanded in prison custody since their arrest in April 28, this year, as ordered by the court, regained their freedom at the resumed hearing of the case, presided over by Justice Kudirat Akano.

They were released on stringent bail condition of N5million each, a surety of a Level 14 officer or a monarch with a valid tax clearance.Earlier, their Counsel, Mr. Wale Olawoyin, and Police Counsel, Mr. Simon Lough, had argued the bail, but the Judge granted the formal application filed in May.

The suspects were arrested and whisked away to Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force for interrogation and later brought to the state for trial following intervention of Yoruba socio-political groups.