Leo Zwanke, Nasarawa
In a heartening turn of events, 30 women and six men, including a one-year-old child, who were detained in prison while protesting, have been released on bail in Nasarawa state.
The release followed the revisiting of bail conditions, as confirmed by Bar Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu, legal counsel for the group.
Speaking to our correspondent at the residence of the PDP party Chairman on Wednesday, where the released individuals were welcomed with food and festivities, Bar Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu stated.
“The revisited bail condition was met, and all the women, men, and the child are now reunited with their loved ones. They are expected to appear in court again on the 27th of February.”
Addressing the relieved women, PDP party Chairman Hon. Francis Orogu expressed gratitude for their perseverance and urged them to focus on the future, stating, “Put behind you the court judgment and pray for Nasarawa state.”
Representing the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate in the last governorship election, Dr. David Ombugadu, his deputy Hon. Yahaya Ohinoyi commended the protesters for their unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
Mrs. Angelina Majji, one of the protestors and in charge of their welfare during their detention, recounted the harsh conditions they endured. “We were sleeping on bare floors in prison and were plagued by mosquitoes. Some of the women are now sick because of these conditions,” she lamented. Majji expressed gratitude to the party leadership for providing food during their 11-day incarceration.
“We were not too worried about ourselves but about the people we left at home because we are mothers, and many of our children depend on us for survival,” Mrs. Majji emphasized, highlighting the challenges faced by peasant farmers and widows who often juggle multiple jobs to sustain their household
Recall that a coalition of over 300 civil society organisations led by Amb. Nkoyo Toyo and Chidi Odinkalu had mobilised national and international support for the women who were believed to have been arrested based on their political views and beliefs that the electoral process was rigged by INEC in favour of Governor Sule
