Court grants bail to 2 suspects in KWASUTH assault case

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin has granted bail to two defendants who allegedly assaulted medical personnel of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that in April, a doctor and a nurse were allegedly assaulted physically in KWASUTH, during the course of discharging their duties.

NAN reports that the defendants, Hamzat Abdulsalam and Victoria Adetunji, were dragged to court on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, intimidation, assault, disturbance of public peace and obstruction of public servants.

During the proceedings, Counsel to the second defendant, John Ogedengbe, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.

Ogedengbe, who was also standing in for the first defendant’s counsel, Toyin Onaolapo, reminded the court that the defendants had earlier secured bail from a magistrate’s court, noting that they have complied with the conditions attached to that order.

In her ruling, Justice Amina Ishaq admitted both defendants to bail in the sum of N1million each, directing them to provide two reliable sureties each, while the matter was adjourned until July 30, for trial.

Speaking with journalists after the court session, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Ayoola Akande, reaffirmed Kwara Government’s commitment to prosecuting the matter diligently and to a logical conclusion.

Akande said the prosecution team remained fully prepared to prove its case and ensure justice prevailed.

“As you are aware, they pleaded not guilty, so the onus is on us as prosecution to prove our case, which we are ready to do,” he said.

The DPP explained that the prosecution did not oppose the bail application because the defendants had already secured bail from a magistrate’s court and the alleged offences were bailable.

“The defendants were granted bail because they were earlier taken to the magistrate’s court and it had granted them bail.

“Out of the magnanimity of the court, which we consented to, we are not opposing their bail,” he added.

Akande stated that the government’s interest lies in presenting credible evidence before the court rather than persecuting the defendants.

“We do not want to be seen as persecuting them. What we are interested in is proving our case through credible evidence, and we’re confident that justice will be done at the end of the day,” he said.

The DPP further noted that the continued prosecution of the case would serve as a deterrent to individuals who attack healthcare workers while performing their duties.

Meanwhile, the defence counsel, who declined to speak on record, expressed confidence in the judicial process.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Yetunde Fatungase