A group of criminals held several journalists hostage within the premises of the Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State.

The court was hearing applications regarding the bail of Olalekan Oyeyemi, also known as Emir, a member of the Osun Park Management System. Emir, an ally of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, is facing a 10-count charge including conspiracy, malicious damage, unlawful killing, and acts of terrorism.

Emir pleaded not guilty during the trial, and his counsel, Edmund Biriomoni, submitted a formal bail application on his behalf. However, Francis Osei, who represented the prosecutor Usman, opposed the bail application. The prosecution also filed a counter application, urging the court to reject the defendant’s plea for bail.

A large number of criminals had gathered at the court and took advantage of the situation. After the presiding judge adjourned the proceedings, these criminals identified and targeted some of the journalists covering the case. They threatened to harm the journalists once the court session concluded.

As a result, the affected journalists were confined within the court premises for approximately 40 minutes after the adjournment. However, police operatives deployed to the premises came to the journalists’ rescue. They escorted the journalists out of the court while ordering the criminals, who had gathered under a nearby tree, to disperse and leave the area.

Meanwhile, Justice N. Ayo-Emmanuel, the trial judge, reserved the ruling on the bail applications. The date for the next court session will be communicated to all parties involved in the case.