An Ebonyi Magistrate’s Court in Abakaliki has postponed the bail hearing for Igboayaka Igboayaka, the detained National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, until March 12, 2025.
Igboayaka was arrested in Owerri on February 8 by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ebonyi State Police Command shortly after securing a second-term victory in the council’s presidential election. He was later transferred to Abakaliki and subsequently detained before being arraigned on February 12 on felony charges. Following his arraignment, he was remanded at the Abakaliki Medium Custodial Centre.
During Thursday’s hearing, Magistrate Sandra Ifeanyi-Oyibe emphasized that this was the first time the case was brought before the court since his remand. His defense counsel, Obinna Ekeke, argued that his client’s deteriorating health condition necessitated an urgent bail request, stressing that continued detention could put his life at risk.
“If not for the defendant’s health condition, we wouldn’t go through this stress. Justice would not be served if this young man’s life is lost due to prolonged detention. The Supreme Court has a clear stance on this, and I strongly believe this court has the jurisdiction to grant bail without a formal application,” Ekeke stated.
In response, the magistrate advised that since the charges were not capital offenses, the defense could also apply for bail at the High Court after 14 days. The case was then adjourned to March 12.
Notably, the prosecution counsel was absent during the hearing.
Mr. Igboayaka, 42, along with others who are currently at large, is facing trial for conspiracy to commit felony and allegedly causing fear among residents of Amegu Nkalagha in Ishielu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
