Three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, Olalekan Ojo, and Kunle Adegoke, have joined the defense team of four journalists accused of cyberstalking and defamation against Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc and its CEO, Segun Agbaje.

The journalists, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, have been held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre since September.

Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court denied the bail application for the four defendants, citing affidavits from both the defense and prosecution teams. Defense counsel Olakunle Afolabi argued for bail on liberal terms, stating the alleged offenses are bailable.

However, the police claim the journalists conspired to commit cyberstalking and published false information against GTCO and Agbaje.

During the trial-within-trial, police witness Chief Superintendent Abu Michael admitted video evidence doesn’t show defendants waiving their rights to legal representation. Justice Faji requested evidence to substantiate the police’s claim that defendants voluntarily provided statements.

The case has been adjourned to December 10 and 12, 2024, to allow new defense counsels to confer with defendants. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is investigating allegations of corruption and money laundering against GTCO and its CEO, following a petition by Alhaji Yusuf Kabiru.

Additionally, GTCO has been directed to remit Value Added Tax on commissions received from Remita transactions between 2015 and 2022.

The Global Integrity Crusade Network has also called for a legislative probe into alleged corruption and financial irregularities in the bank. The journalists’ publications had brought these issues to public attention.

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