TheCable

Deji Adeyanju, convener of Concerned Nigerians, has been granted bail after spending eight days in custody.

Adeyanju was first arrested on November 28. He is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on cyberstalking, inciting disturbance and criminal defamation.

He was released on Monday but rearrested same day “based on a petition written against him” by Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff.

According to the police, Buratai accused Adeyanju of promoting terrorism on social media following the attack on an army base Metele, Borno state, by Boko Haram insurgents. Scores of soldiers died in the attack.

The activist was then arraigned on Tuesday for the alleged crime but an oral application for bail was made on his behalf.

At the court on Thursday, Idiat Akanni, the magistrate, said the alleged offence is bailable and it does not warrant him to be remanded in the custody.

Akanni granted Adeyanju a N500,000 bail and asked him to produce two sureties who must not be less grade 12 in the civil service.

Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister, and Charles Oputa also known as Charly Boy were at the court in solidarity with Adeyanju.

Fani-Kayode said the government should reconsider the way it is handling the matter.

“The excesses of police has exposed the number of issues that is  happening with military and so on,” the former aviation minister said.

“That he should be locked up, charge to court , granted bail and rearrested. This is unacceptable and I will urge the government to reconsider the way they are handling this matter.”

The magistrate adjourned the matter till January 19.