Hon. Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division has ordered that Rotimi Jolayemi, the journalist that criticized the Minister of Information & Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed be detained at the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police headquarters, Abuja.
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It would be recalled that Jolayemi, the Vice Chairman, Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter and a radio presenter who anchors a programme titled “Bi aye se ri” (How the world looks like) on Radio Kwara and Osun State Broadcasting Service, was earlier on arrested by the Police on the 5th day of May, 2020 for igniting an alleged seditious poem critical of the Minister.
Meanwhile, Jolayemi was arraigned before the Federal High Court on a six counts charge which alleges amongst others, dissemination of an audio file targeted at causing dissatisfaction, annoyance, ill will, hatred and contempt in the mind of the people against the Minister contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
However, on Thursday, 11th day of June, 2020 the Counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Joseph Offor informed the Court of the decision to amend the charges against Joyalemi in FHC/ABJ/CB/104/2020 in order to add more witnesses to prove the counts against the defendant.
Mr. Soji Toki, the counsel to Jolayemi acceded to the prosecution’s request for amendment without any objection. Meanwhile, Jolayemi later pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against him.
Furthermore, Jolayemi notified the Court of his ill health and pending the hearing of his bail application, the Court ordered that he should be detained and adjourned till 16th day of June, 2020 for continuation.
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