THE COURT 11 of the Ibadan Division of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Olusola Adebisi Adetujoye, will on Monday (April 28, 2025) rule on the bail application filed by the counsel for two All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains, Mallam Kazeem Rasheed Olofin and Mr. Ismail Jamiyu, in a murder case allegedly linked to political disputes.
At the previous proceeding, Justice Adetujoye questioned the State Counsel over delays in responding to the bail application, suggesting that the prosecution might be employing tactics under the directive of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Bayo Lawal.
The State Counsel subsequently apologized to the court for the delay in addressing the bail request.
The defendants were arrested and detained on March 25, 2024, following political disagreements with Deputy Governor Lawal.
Reports indicate that the disagreement arose after the two APC chieftains declined to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a meeting convened by Lawal.
Allegations have surfaced that the murder charge against them lacks substantial evidence, with critics claiming it is politically motivated.
The alleged murder incident occurred on March 28, 2024 — three days after their arrest — raising questions about the basis of their continued detention.
The Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ) has condemned the prolonged detention, describing it as unlawful and a violation of constitutional rights under Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The group accused the state government of using its authority to suppress opposing political views.
