By Amuda Dan Sulaiman FAB, Lokoja.
There was mild drama and disbelief at the Chief Magistrate Court 11 Lokoja today when the eldest son of the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Mohammed Audu was charged for armed robbery.
Mohammed was arrested on Wednesday night when he honoured the invitation of the men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) at the “A”Division Office in Lokoja when he was subsequently detained and charged to court the following day.
Others charges preferred against Mohammed, according to Police First Information Report, FIR, includes criminal conspiracy, causing mischief and grievous hurt as well as attempted culpable homicide, all contrary to section 97 (1), 248, 327, 298 and 229 of the Penal Code.
In his submission, the lead counsel to the accused, Mr. Okechukwu Ajunwa urged the court to grant his client bail, based on 36 (5) of the constitution as amended as well as sections 141 provisions of section 341 (2 and 3) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
He posited that having gone through the charge there is nothing linking his client with the offenses, even as he added that investigation into the matter was still on-going.
While stressing that if his client is granted bail, he would not jeopardize the on-going investigation, more so that the accused was not arrested but voluntarily honoured the invitation of the men of the anti robbery squad when he was invited to their office in Lokoja.
He further maintained that his client has no reason to escape justice as a prominent citizen of the state, and considering the fact that based on the provision of sub section (3) of section 341 of the Criminal procedure Code, an accused can be granted bail where there is on-going inquiry into a case.
In his response, the prosecution, Mr. Otowu Gabriel did not object to the bail application, leaving the matter at the discretion of the court.
The presiding judge, Chief Magistrate Alhassan Husain while granting bail to the accused, urged him to always make himself available during court sessions and subsequently fixed 29th of this month for the continuation of the matter.
Speaking to newsmen shortly, the lead counsel to the accused, Mr. Okechukwu Ajunwa said the case was politically motivated, putting the entire case on the door steps of political opponents.
Meanwhile there was wild jubilation in Lokoja and its environs, following the pronouncement of the court, granting bail to Muhammed Audu.
Hundreds of supporters who stormed Lokoja the Kogi State capital, from various local government areas across the state could not hide their joy, chanting; ‘Sai Audu, Yahaya Bello Must Go’.
