Alleged Car Theft: Court Grants Musician, Iyanya N20m Bail 

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile of the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere on Thursday granted popular Nigerian musician, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, known as Iyanya, bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.

Justice Okikiolu-Ighile held that Iyanya, who was arraigned before the court for allegedly stealing a car, must produce a surety, with a landed property and Certificate Of Occupancy (CofO) within Lagos.

She also directed that the bail terms are to be verified by the prosecution.

The judge, however, gave the musician seven days to perfect the bail terms or have it revoked.

Iyanya is being trial before the court, by the men of the Police Special Fraud Unit (SPFU), Ikoyi-Lagos, on a one count-charge of alleged car theft.

The prosecutor, Chukwu Agwu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), had filed the charge against the singer since March 15, 2019, but his arraignment was adjourned six times due to his failure to attend court, despite been served with the charge and hearing notice.

However, Iyanya was compelled to take his plea on February 4, after Justice Okikiolu-Ighile threatened to invoke the power of the court to ensure his attendance in court to face the charge.

Agwu had informed the court that Iyanya dishonestly converted to his use or of another person a Black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeep marked MAVINIY, with the Chassis and Engine numbers: JTEBX7FJ7EK165480 and 2TR1385954 respectively.

Agwu also told the court that the said vehicle belongs to ‘The Temple Management Company Limited’, represented by a lawyer, Ayodeji Olomojobi.

The police prosecutor further informed the court that Iyanya committed the offence sometimes in September 2018.

He insisted that the offence is contrary to sections 278(1) (b), 279(1)(2) and punishable under Section 285(10) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. 
 
The singer pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The judge adjourned the matter to March 27 for commencement of trial.

28th March 2024
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