5th September, 2012
Two men, Samuel Osisanya and Bartholomew Olekwu, have landed in big trouble after they stood as surety for a suspect, Simon Biko facing a criminal matter in Lagos State, southwest Nigeria.
They have to cough out N12 million to be paid to the Federal Government for standing as sureties for Biko.
The duo went to Festac Police Area Command and signed a bond for N12 million for the release of Biko who was facing a criminal matter at the station.
They assured and promised the police to bring Biko any time the police wanted him for prosecution.
Immediately Biko was released on bail, he fled and abandonedhis sureties to their fate.
Since then Samuel and Batholomew have not set their eyes on him and they did not know what to tell the police.
When the police asked them to hand over Biko for prosecution, they told the police that he fled after he was released on bail.
The police then told them that since the suspect had absconded, they should bring the N12 million they signed as bond.
When they could not bring the money, they were arrested and charged before Apapa Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.
They charges they are facing are aiding a suspect to escape criminal prosecution and showing cause why they will not forfeit their bail bond to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The police prosecutor, Christiana Olagbayi, told the court that the offence they commtted was contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 1994.
They pleaded not guilty and the Magistrate, Mrs. O. I. Adelaja admitted them to bail and adjourned the matter til 28 September, 2012.
They were remanded in prison custody pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.
—Cyriacus Izuekwe