The Police have released Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson of
the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).
Ugochinyere was released on Monday following a court order.
The CUPP spokesman was arrested on Thursday after a
resolution passed by the house of representatives.
He had accused the leadership of the house of collecting $10
million bribe from the Bill Gates Foundation to pass the infectious disease
control bill.
But in an exparte motion dated June 9, Chibuzor Ezike, his
lawyer, prayed the court to grant his client unconditional release.
At a sitting in the Bwari division of the federal capital
territory high court in Abuja, Musa Ottoman, the presiding judge, granted
Ugochinyere’s release and also restrained the police from arresting him after
meeting his bail conditions.
He was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with a surety who
must not be less than level 8 officer.
“In the name of the President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, directing the 5th defendant (police) or any officer under his control
or command to release the applicant, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere forthwith and
unconditionally from unlawful and illegal detention, a product of disobedience
of a lawful and subsisting order of the court,” the judge ruled.
The trial was adjourned till July 16.
Addressing journalists after he was released, the CUPP
spokesman expressed gratitude to everyone who campaigned for his release,
saying that any efforts to silence the opposition will not work.
“I want to thank all the soldiers of rule of law. Those who
believe that truth, accountability are sacrosanct. I dedicate this freedom to
Nigeria Judiciary, for showing that every man is equal before the law and will
get free treatment no matter who he or she is,” he said.
“I salute the media for letting our voices to be heard. I
salute the political activist, social crusaders, former PDP presidential
candidate, Atiku Abubakar, the former Senate President Bukola Saraki I thank
them for speaking out.
“The rule of law has won today. This is not about me or what
I represent. The parliament must seat up and hold the executive to
accountability, that’s the only way they can prove they are not hallelujah
boys.
“I salute the civil society organizations and everyone who
spoke against this irrespective of our differences. All the attempts to silence
us will not work, our voices will continue to be heard even if there’s a gun on
my head I assure Nigerians I will continue speaking out.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com