An Igbosere High Court in Lagos has granted singer Iyanya
bail of N20million over alleged car theft.
Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, on Thursday, February 27,
ordered Iyanya Mbuk to produce a surety in the like sum, who should also have
landed property in Lagos with a Certificate of Occupancy.
The judge warned the Kukere singer that the bail shall be
revoked if not perfected within seven days.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile said: "I have perused the
affidavit and the counter-affidavit of the parties; there is a prima facie case
of criminal conversion against him.
"However, there is nothing to show that the defendant
will interfere with the proceedings of this case and nothing to show that he
will jump bail if granted bail.
"Bail is therefore granted to the defendant in the sum
of N20 million with one surety in the like sum."
The judge adjourned till May 27 and 28 for trial.
On March 15, 2019, the police filed the one-count charge
marked LD/9024c/2019 against the singer. However, he failed to appear in court
for arraignment, despite allegedly being served with the charge and hearing
notice. As a result, the arraignment was adjourned six times.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile threatened to invoke the power of
the court to ensure Iyanya’s attendance to take his plea.
Eventually, Iyanya appeared before the judge on February 4, 2020,
following which the charge was read to him.
Prosecution counsel, Mr. Chukwu Agwu, a Superintendent of
Police (SP), alleged that Iyanya committed the offence sometime in September
2018.
The court heard that the defendant dishonestly converted to
his use or of another person, a Black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Sports Utility
Vehicle (SUV) marked MAVINIY, with Chassis and Engine numbers JTEBX7FJ7EK165480
and 2TR1385954.
Agwu told the court that said vehicle belongs to The Temple
Management Company Ltd, represented by a lawyer, Ayodeji Olomojobi.
The offence, according to the prosecutor, was contrary to
Sections 278(1) (b), 279(1)(2) and punishable under Section 285(10) of the
Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Iyanya pleaded not guilty.
Agwu prayed the court to remand the defendant in the
Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) custody, pending the hearing and
determination of his bail application, The Nation reports.
But Iyanya’s counsel, Mr Williams A., opposed him. He prayed
the court to release the musician to him and undertook to produce him in court
on the next court appearance date.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile granted the defence counsel’s prayer
and released him to his counsel.
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