A former member of the House of Representatives representing Oyo Federal Constituency, Mr. Kamil
Akinlabi, and two others – Chief Jacob Oluokun
and Chief Isola Ajiboye – were on Thursday docked at an Oyo High Court for maligning the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
They were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy to commit to wit, defamation of character, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, and a newspaper publication accusing the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, of committing
crimes.
All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In his submission, counsel to the defendants, Abiodun
Abduraman Abduraheem, solicited for bail for the accused on self recognition.
He said the accused were not arrested but came to court
on their volition.
Abiodun, who cited Section 36 (5) of the Constitution, also quoted Section 118 of the criminal procedure law of Oyo State to buttress his argument.
In his reaction, counsel to the plaintiff, J.I. Ebusemebe, objected to the bail, arguing that there was no formal application for bail.
In his ruling, Justice Tayo Taiwo granted the accused persons
bail on personal recognition, warning that failure to appear on the next hearing day would be viewed seriously.
Justice Taiwo adjourned the case till August 30. However, the atmosphere was charged as the court was
filled to the brim.
Pandemonium later ensued when a cameraman with the state-owned broadcasting corporation was manhandled by
supporters of the former federal lawmaker.
The cameraman was challenged by Akinlabi’s brother for recording inside and outside the court room.
He was asked to produce his identity card.
While trying to do that, some family members and supporters of Akinlabi descended on him.
His camera was also seized.
The intervention of some journalists saved the situation.
His camera was later released.
Because of the charged atmosphere, men of the Special
Anti Robbery Squad and regular policemen later stormed the scene to maintain law and order.
