Written By: Fathia Balogun
Group, Coalition of Journalists of Conscience, CJC on the Taraba State Government to respect the rule of Law and obey court order by immediately releasing the Publisher of Taraba Truth and Fact Newspaper and Chief Executive Officer of Rock FM 92.3 Jalingo, Mr. Ayodele Samuel from illegal detention.
The Premier News gathered that Mr. Ayodele Samuel is currently being held at Taraba State Police Command over a news publication on Page 5 of Taraba Truth and Facts Newspaper on 17th of September, 2022, tagged ‘Taraba For Sale’ even after the Magistrate Court of Competent Jurisdiction had granted him bail since 26th of November, 2022, and had met his bail conditions.
Sources claim that the Governor of Taraba state, Arc. Darius Ishaku felt offended by the publication which alleges a possible sale of Taraba state-owned assets such as Mambilla Beverages company, and the liaison office in Abuja; in which similar publications had appeared on other prominent Nigerian media prior to the publication on Taraba Truth and Facts.
Governor Darius Ishaku was also seen in a video at the State House of Assembly where he vehemently vowed to “deal decisively” with the Publisher of the Taraba Truth and Facts where was supposed to be defending the State’s 2023 budget.
Ayodele Samuel was arraigned before a magistrate court in Jalingo, presided by his Lordship, Garba S. Garba on a two-count charge of defamation and injurious falsehood of which he was granted bail. The charges were filed against him by the Gov. of Taraba State, Darius Dickson Ishaku, through the office of the Attorney General of the state.
“Prior to the arraignment he had honoured two police invitations over separate petitions from the Taraba state government and has conducted himself with regard for law.” Our sources revealed.
“Thereafter Mr. Ayodele had raised alarms that government agents have tapped his call lines and are tracking his movements.
Ayodele Samuel had at the court pleaded not guilty to the charges and his counsel applied for bail successfully, which the magistrate had described as ‘ordinary bailable’ cases.
The bail conditions were ten-million-naira fee, two sureties resident in Jalingo having landed properties worth five million naira each. There were about 12 persons willing to surety instantly, including two pastors but only two would have to help fulfill the bail conditions.
Subsequently, the bail conditions were met but it is quite unclear why the publisher is still being remanded.” The source added.
Other sources have claimed that Governor Ishaku has not been able to reconcile with the reality of someone from a different region having significant impact over the media in the state and thus the Governor has been using his influence to frustrate the release of the Mr. Ayodele Samuel.
