DAY 21: Court Orders Baba Suwe To Be Released November 4

By Osagie Alonge

An Ikeja High Court as ordered the unconditional release of popular Babatunde Omidina better known to the public as Baba Suwe if by November 4, the actor doesn’t excrete any illegal substance.

Today, Tuesday, November 1, 2011 Justice Yetunde Idowu granted Baba Suwe on bail in sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) with one surety on the condition the actor does not excrete hard drugs under the 15 day petition by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Baba Suwe had arrived at the Ikeja High Court in a white Toyota HIACE bus accompanied by heavily guarded NDLEA officials at about 7:35 AM even though the court hearing was for 9AM. As at 8:10AM, the court house was filled to the brim with family, friends, journalists and others. Presiding judge Justice Yetunde Idowu had to instruct those standing to exit the court room. Security officials hurriedly escorted those standing to join the already rowdy crowd in the court premises.

At 9:10 the actor was escorted into the court house where the court hearing lasted for 2 hours. Baba Suwe came out smiling and waving his hands to his well-wishers who in turn shouted in support ‘Oyagbe ti’ meaning ‘he won’t excrete anything’. In attendance was his wife Ayo Omidina popularly called ‘Suwe’ and colleaguesAdewale Elesho, Pa Ajirebi (Pa James) and a few others.

‘What has happended today is victory for our democracy and journalism. We made a point today about what the NDLEA is doing; while Nigerians support the fight against drugs and narcotics, we don’t not support the violation of the right of any Nigerian citizen’, Baba Suwe’s counsel Bamidele Aturu told Nigerian Entertainment Today.

The case has been adjourned to Friday, November 4, 2011.

Watch a short video clip of Baba Suwe arriving and departing the Ikeja High Court