Premium Times reporter Ogundipe released on bail

After three days in detention, Premium Times reporter, Samuel Ogundipe, was granted bail on Friday by Magistrate Abdulwahab Mohammed of Kubwa Grade 1 Magistrate Court in Kubwa, Abuja.
At the court, Ogundipe’s lawyer argued for his bail, a request that was not opposed by police counsel.
The Magistrate 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.
The judge first heard the case on Wednesday after Ogundipe was secretly arraigned without being allowed legal representation by the police.
On that day, the judge granted a request by the police that the journalist be detained for five days until August 20.
But, due to pressure from the media, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), lawyers and the international community, Ogundipe was taken to court.
It was learned that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to ensure that Ogundipe is taken to court for him to be granted bail.
“That was why the bail was not opposed by police counsel. Wise counsel has prevailed on the part of the government”, said a source.