A Federal High Court in Ibadan has dismissed a bail application filed by a 30-year-old suspected kidnapper, Usman Adamu, citing potential risks to public peace.
Justice Nkeonye Maha, ruling on Friday, held that the defence failed to provide convincing evidence that the defendant would not constitute a threat if released.
“There is no merit in the bail application, and the same is refused,” the judge said, though she ordered accelerated hearing and adjourned the case to Nov. 12, 13, and 14.
Adamu, who was arraigned on July 9 by the Department of State Services (DSS), faces two counts of terrorism and kidnapping. He had earlier pleaded not guilty.
Opposing the bail, DSS prosecutor Mrs. Abidemi Adewumi-Aluko argued that the offences were grave and carried the possibility of life imprisonment upon conviction.
She alleged that Adamu, a native of Ilorin South in Kwara State, was part of a terror group that kidnapped one Aminu Mohammed on Dec. 15, 2024, in Awe, Afijio LGA of Oyo State.
The offences are said to contravene Sections 24A and 30A of the Terrorism Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2022.