Few hours into the mass protest against the Attorney-General of Ondo State, Kayode Ajulo SAN, the Ministry of Justice has according to available documents written the Magistrate Court at the instance of the Attorney-General, seeking the expedited hearing of the matter against the remanded youth leaders of the Akoko Youth Forum (AYF) tomorrow.
The Magistrate Court had in its earlier proceeding adjourned the hearing of the matter till 16th April, 2025, capitalizing on the formal petition addressed against the trio by the Attorney-General.
The Attorney-General, Kayode Ajulo SAN, alleged that the leaders of the Akoko Youth Forum (AYF), had posted a video with the intent of bullying, unleashing hatred against him in the media. This video which contravenes section 24 (1) (b) of the Cyber-crimes (Prohibition and Preventions Act) 2015 as amended, is being whipped against Benjamin James Akeju, Adesunloye Adeniran and Yaya Bisola as exhibit.
The onward remand of the leaders of the forum resulted in wide protests by various youth groups, students’ association who backed their statements with physical mass action on the morning of Wednesday 9th April, 2025. This is in defiance of the frank warning by the Police.
The Ondo State Ministry of Justice, in a letter commissioned to be written by Kayode Ajulo SAN, the AG, requested that the case be considered for accelerated hearing in the interest of both parties.
The AG also signified interest in taking over the prosecution from the Police, in a bid to properly discontinue the criminal charge against the three individuals.
The letter reads: “I have the instruction of the Attorney-General of Ondo State and Commissioner for Justice to respectfully request an earlier hearing date for the above referenced case which is currently scheduled for 16th April, 2025 for the purpose of taking over the prosecution from the Police.”
“Kindly seek the court’s indulgence to bring the hearing date forward to a more proximate date.”
“We assure the court of our commitment to proceed diligently with the case as may be necessary.”
“May I also request for a hearing notice to be issued to the parties or their solicitors in this case as an earlier date is in the interest of all parties.”
“Thank you for considering this request and for conveying this to the Honourable Court. I look forward to a favourable response.”
Issued as a follow-up to this letter is a formal judicial notice requesting parties to appear before the court tomorrow 10th April 2025.
