Treasonable Felony: Court Denies Journalist Bail

Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court, Calabar, has denied bail to Journalist, Agba Jalingo. standing trial for treasonable felony.

Naija News reports that Jalingo is also facing charges of terrorism and attempt to topple the Governor Ben Ayade-led Cross Rivers State government.

Delivering judgement on a bail application, Justice Amobeda held that one of the charges levelled against the journalist was punishable by death.

He also held that the defendant did not prove special and exceptional circumstances to compel him to apply his discretion and grant Jalingo bail.

In the alternative of granting bail, the Court also ordered accelerated hearing on the case. The matter was adjourned to October 16, 2019.

Reacting to the ruling Jalingo’s counsel, Attah Ochinke said: “The Court in the exercise of it’s discretion decided that enough reason was not given for Agba Jalingo to be granted bail today basically on the basis that insufficient information on his medical health was presented.”

Also speaking on the court refusal to grant Jalingo bail, a former Attorney General and Justice Commissioner in the Cross River State, Ochinke described the conditionality for the bail for the charges preferred against Jalingo as a bit strenuous than ordinary offenses.

“His health condition is still a very big concern because even while in custody, he collapsed and the Police themselves were forced to rush him to the hospital for his revival.

There is no doubt that he is in frail health. There is no doubt that his health will be a challenge during this period. We are hopeful that he will not remain in custody during this period – a situation that will endanger his health. We are hoping that enough will be done to ensure that he is alive while his trial lasts,” he said.