Kaduna Court Slams Stringent Bail Conditions On Journalist, Luka Binniyat

A High Court sitting in Kaduna on Thursday granted bail to the former Kaduna Bureau Chief of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr Luka Binniyat, currently standing trial over allegations of false publication brought against him by the Kaduna State government.

In setting the bail conditions, presiding Justice Bashir Sukola announced that the defendant is to produce two sureties who must deposit their international passports with the court.

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According to Justice Sukola, also set as part of the bail condition is for each surety to deposit a bank bond in the sum of N10 million.

The case has been adjourned to August 31, 2017. The courtroom was filled with journalists, alongside top leaders of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU).

However, lead counsel to the defendant, Alex Marama, told journalists after the court sitting that the bail conditions were too demanding and stringent for their client.

He indicated the defence team’s resolve to approach the court with an application for a downward review of the conditions in the spirit of equity and justice.

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Mr. Binniyat, who is on medication, following injuries sustained in a recent car accident, walked into the court room with the help of crutches.

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