Journalist and Publisher of an online paper, Cross River Watch, Agba Jalingo who was remanded for allegedly publishing a false story has been granted bail.
Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted Jalingo bail of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.
The court had, on March 27 ordered the remand of the journalist at the Kuje Custodial Center Abuja, for allegedly publishing an article that was deemed ‘insulting’ to Mrs Elizabeth Ayade, who is wife to the younger brother of the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade.
Jalingo was specifically accused of engaging in a false publication that was intended to cause annoyance, ill will, and an insult to Mrs Ayade.
When he was arraigned before the court last week, Jalingo pleaded not guilty to the charge which is punishable under section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
At the resumed hearing in the matter today, Thursday, the defendant, through his team of lawyers led by Femi Falana applied to be released on bail pending the determination of the charges preferred against him.
Police lawyer, Fidelis Ogbobe did not oppose the application and the Judge consequently granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 and a surety in like sum.
Aside from the five hundred thousand naira bail bond, Justice Abubakar held that the surety must be an owner of a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The judge ordered that the title deed of the said property must be deposited with the deputy registrar in charge of litigations of the courts.
Besides, the court held that the surety must also depose to an affidavit of means.
Justice Abubakar held that the defendant should remain in prison custody, pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The judge adjourned the case till May 31 for trial.
