A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday granted post-judgment bail to a Yoruba music promoter, Lateef Alagbada, who is awaiting extradition to the United States of America (U.S.A.) for trial on alleged drugs related offences.
Justice Sule Hassan ordered Alagbada’s release from the custody of International Police (INTERPOL), pending determination of his appeal challenging the extradition order.
Alagbada has been in INTERPOL custody since last September.
The judge gave the order in a ruling on the applicant’s bail application filed by his counsel Dr. Babatunde Oni.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) did not oppose the application.
“There is evidence that the defendants were served but did not respond. It is trite law that an undefended suit is deemed as an admission in law…
“Since this court granted an extradition order, the respondents have not taken any step. I am also aware of the fact of the travel ban as a result of COVID-19…
“Consequently, bail is granted in the sum of N5 million with one surety, who must be a public servant not below Grade Level 15 or a landed property owner,” Justice Hassan held.
The judge, last month, ordered Alagbada’s extradition while delivering judgment on an extradition application brought by the AGF.
He gave the AGF 15 days to send the music promoter to America for prosecution, but the government was unable to execute the order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alagbada promoted the late Fuji maestro, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and many other Yoruba artistes.
According to the government, the defendant, popularly called Lati Alagbada, is wanted abroad to face two counts of conspiracy to distribute, possess and import one kilogramme of heroine.
The government said it was relying among others on a Certified True Copy (CTC) of a warrant for Alagbada’s arrest, in case No. 17-CR-227-JMV, issued on June 15, 2017, by a United States District Court of New Jersey. (NAN)
