Ilorin: The Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin has granted bail to two defendants who allegedly assaulted medical personnel of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, in April, a doctor and a nurse were allegedly assaulted physically in KWASUTH during the course of discharging their duties. The defendants, Hamzat Abdulsalam and Victoria Adetunji, were brought to court on a five-count charge that included conspiracy, intimidation, assault, disturbance of public peace, and obstruction of public servants.
During the proceedings, Counsel to the second defendant, John Ogedengbe, appealed to the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms. Ogedengbe, who also represented the first defendant’s counsel, Toyin Onaolapo, pointed out that the defendants had earlier secured bail from a magistrate’s court and had complied with its conditions.
Justice Amina Ishaq ruled to admit both defendants to bail in the sum of N1 million each, requiring them to provide two reliable sureties each. The matter was adjourned until July 30 for trial.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Ayoola Akande, reaffirmed Kwara Government’s commitment to diligently prosecuting the case to its logical conclusion. Akande emphasized that the prosecution team is fully prepared to prove its case and ensure justice prevails. He noted, ‘As you are aware, they pleaded not guilty, so the onus is on us as prosecution to prove our case, which we are ready to do.’
The DPP explained that the prosecution did not oppose the bail application because the defendants had already secured bail from a magistrate’s court, and the alleged offences were bailable. ‘The defendants were granted bail because they were earlier taken to the magistrate’s court and it had granted them bail. Out of the magnanimity of the court, which we consented to, we are not opposing their bail,’ he added.
Akande stated that the government’s interest lies in presenting credible evidence before the court rather than persecuting the defendants. ‘We do not want to be seen as persecuting them. What we are interested in is proving our case through credible evidence, and we’re confident that justice will be done at the end of the day,’ he said.
The DPP further noted that the continued prosecution of the case would serve as a deterrent to individuals who attack healthcare workers while performing their duties. Meanwhile, the defence counsel, who declined to speak on record, expressed confidence in the judicial process.