Court orders release of PDP chieftain, two others in Osun

An Osun State High Court in Osogbo yesterday ordered the unconditional and immediate release of Alhaji Fatai Diekola, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two others.

Diekola, Alhaji Adekilekun Segun and Alhaji Sikiru Lawal were arrested by the police on Monday, for allegedly inducing voters with money at Alekunwodo in the state capital.

Justice Olubunmi Ayoola, ruling on the suspects’ application to restrain the police from further detaining them, ordered the release of the trio, pending the determination of the application for the enforcement of their fundamental rights.

The applicants’ counsel, Mr Bukola Onifade, had earlier moved an application urging the court to restrain the police from further detaining his clients pending the determination of a motion on notice brought before the court.

The Judge, who granted the prayers of the applicants, ordered their immediate release from custody pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the September 22 election inconclusive and scheduled a rerun for today.