The Oba-Elect of Araromi-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Babalola Babatunde, who was arraigned for forgery at the Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has been granted bail.
In a application filed by the counsel to the defendant before the court, Attah Paul, he prayed that he should be released on self-recognition.
The application was supported by an 18-paragraph affidavit, praying that the defendant has never been arraigned or convicted in the past.
But the prosection attorney, Itunun Osobu, in the paragraph seven of his counter-affidavit, pointed out that the applicant failed to honour the invitation of the police until he was arrested.
Having listened to both attorneys, the presiding judge, Justice O.O. Owoeye stood down the matter till 100: pm to allow him write his judgement.
When the court reconvened at 1:05pm, Justice Owoeye granted the suspect bail with sum of N3million and two sureties in the like sum.
The sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.
But the court said the suspect should be kept in the police custody till he meets the bail conditions.
The judge therefore adjourned the case to June 27, 2024 for hearing of the substantive matter.
Babatunde was arraigned on Monday, May 20, 2024 at the Federal High Court sitting in Akure with two- count charge.
The charge sheet reads: That you Babalola Babatunde on or about the 15th day of January, 2008 at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make and uttered a forged University of Ibadan Result which you knew to be false and with intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine by the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti to offer you a job and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
“That you Batalola Babatunde on or about the 15 day of January, 2008 at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make and uttered a forged National Youth Service Corps Certificate which you knew to be false and with intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine by the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti to offer you a job and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1[2](c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.”