The prolonged incarceration of Mrs. Awanat Ajayi, a banker detained at the Ilesa Correctional Facility in Osun State, has sparked widespread outrage, especially after reports surfaced that she recently gave birth via cesarean section.
Ajayi is being held in connection with an alleged N650 million fraud involving her former supervisor, Talabi Adeniyi, the manager of First Bank.
The spokesperson for the Osun Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, had previously announced the arrest of Talabi over a fraudulent Proof of Fund (POF) transaction.
Ajayi, who reportedly assisted in securing funds for POF from interested individuals, was also implicated after allegedly collecting N10 million from Magistrate Oyindamola Daramola as part of the business deal. However, things took a turn for the worse when Talabi allegedly lost N650 million during the transaction, leading to her arrest.
Ajayi was arraigned before an Osun State Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara, on charges of collecting money from Magistrate Daramola.
Despite her lawyer’s oral bail application, citing that the offence is bailable, Ajayi was remanded in custody. Her lawyer also noted that she was in the late stages of pregnancy and had Hepatitis B, both factors that could affect her health.
In August, Ajayi was granted bail, but the conditions were stringent. The court required that a traditional monarch and a Level 14 civil servant act as her surety, with a deposit of N5 million.
Despite her deteriorating health and subsequent childbirth, Ajayi’s bail conditions have not been met, prolonging her stay in custody.
During a recent court sitting, Ajayi’s counsel informed the court that she had delivered her baby via cesarean section.
However, Magistrate Ayilara reiterated that childbirth was not a valid reason for her release, stating,
“Your wife’s bail condition has not been perfected, delivery is not a technical reason for discharge. This is the law, and even I don’t have power over it; only a higher court can decide otherwise.”
The continued detention of Mrs. Awanat Ajayi, particularly after the birth of her child, has drawn widespread criticism, with many calling for her immediate release on humanitarian grounds.
The case highlights the challenges facing individuals caught in legal battles, especially when compounded by health and personal circumstances.
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