MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 57-year-old woman, Oriola Motunrayo, was arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court on Friday over allegations of signing a bail bond to obstruct justice for Adesola Oriola.
According to the charge sheet marked MIK/202510, the incident allegedly occurred on 7th April, 2025 at about 7:00pm at MAN Centre Police Division, Wemabod Estate, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Police alleged that the defendant signed an administrative bail bond for Adesola Oriola, who was standing trial for obtaining money under false pretence.
The prosecution claimed that she signed on condition to produce the suspect in court when required.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 97 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Section 97(3) prescribes punishment for acts that obstruct, prevent, pervert, or defeat the course of justice.
The charge was filed through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP Office, Ogba, Lagos State Ministry of Justice. Inspector Ibrahim Mamman was listed as the investigating Police officer.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Supol Josephine Ihkayere, asked the court for a date for hearing to enable the Police to present evidence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted her bail with two sureties.
He said that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, with addresses verified by the court.
The case was adjourned for mention.
The defendant was remanded in custody at the Kirikiri correctional center pending perfection of bail conditions. Legal experts say Section 97 protects judicial processes from interference.
