A magistrate Court sitting in Yola has denied Lawal Uba, a former gubernatorial candidate of Africa Action Congress bail for allegedly insulting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The politician has been remanded for over 30 days at the correctional centre after being accused of sharing videos in which he accused the governor of betraying the PDP presidential candidate, former vice President Atiku Abubakar and others who helped him won election.
Magistrate Aminu Abdulkadir Maiha dismissed bail applications by counsel to the defendant while a similar application at the High Court was dismissed.
At a resumed hearing today, the judge adjourned the case till Thursday to allow the prosecution prepare for presentation of two compact discs containing some evidences.
Lead counsel to the defendant, Desmond Adebole who appeared with nine lawyers told journalists that it was unfortunate that the court refused his client’s bail even when the offence was bailable.
He argued that the comments made by his client were not defamatory and that if the court continued to deny him bail, they would be left with no choice than to go to the Appeal Court.
However, Counsel to the prosecution, Barrister Abdurrahman Iliyasu declined comment, saying he needed clearance from his superior to talk to the press.
Meanwhile, an associate of the defendant, Sulaiman Maiha blamed the governor for witch hunting imaginary enemies and attempt to muzzle the opposition, reminding him that he is a politician seeking re-election in and the electorates would be there waiting for him.
