An Ebonyi Magistrate’s Court in Abakaliki has postponed the hearing of a bail application for Igboayaka Igboayaka, the detained national president of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC).
The court set March 12 as the new date for the hearing.
Igboayaka was arrested in Owerri on February 8 by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ebonyi Police Command, shortly after securing reelection for a second term. Following his arrest, he was taken to Abakaliki and held in police custody before being arraigned on February 12. He faces a felony charge and has since been remanded at the Abakaliki Medium Custodial Centre.
During the court session, his defense counsel, Obinna Ekeke, pleaded for his release, citing his worsening health. He argued that keeping Igboayaka in detention under such conditions could have serious consequences. Ekeke urged the court to grant bail in the interest of justice, stating that the Supreme Court had made clear provisions for such cases.
However, the presiding magistrate, Sandra Ifeanyi-Oyibe, stated that this was the first hearing since Igboayaka’s remand. She advised that the defense could seek bail at the High Court, adding that if the law permits, an application for bail could be made after 14 days.
The case was adjourned to March 12, while the prosecution counsel was notably absent in court.
Igboayaka, 42, along with others still at large, is facing charges of conspiracy to commit felony and allegedly instilling fear among residents of Amegu Nkalagha community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
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