Adebayo Adenrele
An Ekiti State Magistrate Court has granted bail to an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, Olubusoye Akinwale, who is standing trial over alleged cyberbullying and related offences instituted by a member representing Irepodun/Ifelodun II of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Hakeem Jamiu.
Akinwale, 40, was arraigned before the court on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleged that Akinwale and others still at large conspired on May 18, 2026 at Awo-Ekiti to publish videos on social media in which they repeatedly referred to Hon. Hakeem Jamiu as a ‘thief’ an act the prosecution described as defamatory and capable of causing public uproar.
The prosecution said the alleged offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 516(A) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Volume 1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
In the second count, the defendant was accused of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace by allegedly shouting and repeatedly calling the lawmaker a ‘thief’ during and after a meeting held in Awo-Ekiti.
The prosecution said the alleged act is punishable under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Volume 1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the case continues before the court.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, counsel to the defendant, Femi Familusi disclosed that the defence had filed a formal application for bail before the commencement of proceedings, adding that the prosecution did not oppose the application.
He explained that the prosecution, which had taken over the matter from the Commissioner of Police, informed the court that it had no objection to the defendant being granted bail.
“The defendant was produced before the court this morning in respect of the charge against him. The matter first came up on Friday and was continued today, July 28. Before the court sat, we formally brought an application for his bail.
“The state, having taken over the prosecution from the Commissioner of Police, informed the court that it was not opposing our application. Consequently, we moved the application and the court graciously granted bail.
“The defendant was admitted to bail in the sum of ₦150,000 with two sureties. The sureties must be residents within the jurisdiction of the court and are required to provide affidavits of means.
“We are currently perfecting the bail conditions and we hope the defendant will regain his freedom today. The matter has been adjourned until August 20 for further proceedings”. He said
Reacting to the ruling, the Chairman of Ifedara Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ogunsanya Lawrence Sunday expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision to grant bail.
He alleged that Akinwale was arrested following a petition by Hon. Hakeem Jamiu over claims that the defendant had called the lawmaker derogatory names.
Earlier in his ruling, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of ₦150,000 with two sureties, who must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction and provide affidavits showing their means of livelihood.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until August 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
