Alleged car theft: Court grants Iyanya N20m bail

Nigerian musician Iyanya Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya, has been granted N20 million bail over alleged car theft.

Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile ordered Iyanya to produce a surety in the like sum, who should also have landed property in Lagos with a Certificate of Occupancy.

The offer is valid for seven days otherwise Iyanya would lose the bail application.

The judge said: “I have perused the affidavit and the counter-affidavit of the parties; there is a prima facie case of criminal conversion against him.

“However, there is nothing to show that the defendant will interfere with the proceedings of this case and nothing to show that he will jump bail if granted bail.

“Bail is therefore granted to the defendant in the sum of N20 million with one surety in the like sum”.

The case was adjourned till May 27 and 28 for trial.

The police had filed the charge against the singer since March 15, 2019 for dishonestly converting to his personal use or of another person a Black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeep marked MAVINIY, with Chassis and number JTEBX7FJ7EK165480 and engine number 2TR1385954.

The prosecutor, a Superintendent of Police, Mr Chukwu Agwu said the vehicle belonged to the complainant, ‘The Temple Management Company Limited, represented by a lawyer, Ayodeji Olomojobi. The prosecutor added that Iyanya committed the offense sometimes in September 2018.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, filed against him. In view of his plea, Agwu, urged the court to remand the defendant in custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS), pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

The case was adjourned six times due to the singer's failure to show up for the case.