By Kayode Afolabi, Ore

Two sureties, Kikelomo Akinbohunje, 30 and Atinuke Stephen, 25, alleged of aiding the escape of a suspect, one Adeolu Stephen, have appeared before an Odigbo Chief Magistrates’ Court.

Men of the Ondo State Police command arraigned the defendants on Thursday, for allegedly aiding the escape of Stephen, who was arrested for allegedly stealing the properties of Jordan Concept Limited and undergoing police investigation.

They were charged with insubordination, before Chief Magistrate Festus Akinlolu.

According to the prosecution, the defendants committed the offence on September 17, 2024, at the Nigeria Police Area Command Headquarters in Ore, Ondo State.

The prosecutor, Inspector James Usifoh, told the court that the defendants stood surety and entered into bail application form under Section 62 of the Police Act 2020, which include the sum of N1 million forfeiture in aiding and assisting the escape of one Adeolu Stephen.

The offence contravenes Section 519 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Volume 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

When the charge was read, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Usifoh, therefore, sought an adjournment to enable him study the case file and prepare his witnesses for trial.

Defence counsel, Mr Rufus Omotayo did not oppose the application made by the prosecutor, but he prayed to the court to grant his clients bail on the most liberal terms.

Chief Magistrate Festus Akinlolu admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till November 22, 2024 for hearing.