Kaduna Court Gives Journalist – Luka Binniyat Stringent Bail Conditions

By Amos Dunia, Persecond News – A Kaduna State High Court sitting on Thursday granted stringent bail conditions 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 ruled that the defendant should produce two sureties who must deposit their international passports with the court.

Justice Sukola also ruled that part of the bail condition is for each surety to deposit a bank bond in the sum of N10 million and adjourned the case to August 31, 2017.

Justice Sukola had on July 12, 2017 ordered that Mr. Binniyat be remanded in prison custody till Thursday, July 20, 2017.
The courtroom was filled with journalists, some top leaders of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) and other stakeholders.

At the end of Thursday Court sitting, lead counsel to the defendant, Alex Marama, told journalists that the bail conditions were too demanding and stringent for his client.

He said the defence team has resolved to approach the court with an application for a downward review of the conditions in the spirit of equity and justice.

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