Court Grants Bail to 12 Suspected Killers of Ajayi Crowther University Student

An Oyo State High Court granted bail of N5 million each to 12 individuals accused of murdering Ajayi Crowther University student Jeffrey Akro, with the trial adjourned to February 21, 2025.

An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to 12 individuals accused of murdering Jeffrey Akro, an undergraduate student of Ajayi Crowther University.

The suspects were granted bail in the sum of N5 million each, with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a biological parent of the defendant. Justice Ladiran Akintola issued the ruling during Friday’s session, while adjourning the case to Friday, February 21, 2025 for further proceedings.

The defendants, who pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge, were unable to present their plea and oral application for bail during the previous sitting, which led to an earlier adjournment.

Justice Akintola stated:“Each of the 1st-12th defendants is hereby admitted to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties each, one of whom must be a biological parent of the applicant/defendant.”

Chief Victor Otomiewo, former Attorney General and counsel to the prosecution, emphasized:

“Granting bail is not a declaration of innocence or acquittal. The retrial has been adjourned to February 21, 2025. If the matter cannot be resolved on that date, the trial will proceed accordingly. The judge’s conduct so far reflects a commitment to delivering real justice.”

Barrister Wole Efunnuga, counsel to the 7th defendant, noted:

“The trial judge did not grant bail arbitrarily. He considered the issues holistically and sought the opinion of the prosecution counsel. The ruling represents the views of all parties involved.”

The case remains ongoing, with all parties expected to return to court for the next hearing.

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SOURCES:SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL,NATION