The Federal High Court in Calabar has granted bail to journalist, Agba Jalingo, who is facing trial for alleged treason.
Justice Sule Shuaibu admitted Mr Jalingo to bail on Thursday. The Cross River State Government recently took over the case from the Federal Government.
Jalingo, the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, was denied bail twice. He published a report alleging that Cross River State, Ben Ayade, diverted N500 million from the state’s treasury.
He is also said to be in support of the #RevolutionNow Movement by Omoyele Sowore.
READ ALSO: Court Adjourns Jalingo Case Tomorrow. Police Seek Witness Protection.
Jalingo has been in prison since his arrest on August 22, 2019, Arrested on August 22, Jalingo spent 34 days in police detention before being arraigned on September 25.
Jalingo published a report alleging that Mr Ayade diverted N500 million from the state’s treasury.
Speaking on Monday with reporters at the presidential villa, Abuja, after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari, Ayade said the journalist was being tried for treason and that the matter was between the journalist and the Federal Government.
“In court, it is Federal Government versus Agba Jalingo, not Cross River State. He’s in court for treason, a state does not have power to try anyone for treason, it’s not me,” he said, adding that Jalingo had supported the call for revolution by Omoyele Sowore.
Ayade then added: “I am of the opinion that Agba should be released because I think he was just youthfully excited. If you ask Agba Jalingo today, I’m the one working with his lawyers for his freedom, I’m the one sustaining him and sending upkeeps.”
The governor alleged that Jalingo used to ask him for money.
“Please ask Agba Jalingo, that CrossRiverWatch, the first person to give him money to set up the office was myself. His official vehicle, it was me. I don’t have to list all of these, he knows that I have funded and supported him, but journalism stops where blackmail becomes part of your strategy,” Ayade said.
Follow us on, Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.