The Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, has granted bail to 12 individuals accused of murdering Jeffrey Akro, a student of Ajayi Crowther University. The decision was delivered by Justice Ladiran Akintola on Friday.
Each defendant was granted bail under strict conditions, including a ₦5 million bond and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a biological parent of the accused. Justice Akintola emphasized that the bail does not signify innocence or an acquittal of the charges.
The suspects are facing a two-count charge related to the alleged murder but have pleaded not guilty to the accusations. Following the bail ruling, the case has been adjourned until February 21, 2025, for further proceedings.
In his statement, Victor Otomiewo, counsel for the prosecution, highlighted the legal significance of the ruling, stating, “The most important thing is the pronouncement and what every lawyer knows is that the granting of bail is not a declaration of innocence or acquittal.”
Similarly, Wole Efunnuga, representing the seventh defendant, praised the court’s fairness in handling the matter. He said the ruling reflected the views of all involved parties.
