From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
A Kwara State High Court presided over by Justice TS Umar, has denied bail to Dr Joseph Ayodele, accused of sedating and raping a nurse at his hospital.
He was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy to obtain money by False Pretence, Obtaining Money by False Pretence and Rape.
The offences are punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud (Prohibition) Act and the Violence Against Persons Law of Kwara State.
He however pleaded not guilty to all the three charges when read to him in court.
Earlier, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Kwara State, Ayoola Idowu Akande, had urged the court to grant his continued remand at the federal correctional centre, Oke-Kura.
According to him, the offence upon which Ayodele was arraigned was serious and grave adding that his release might affect ongoing investigations.
But the defence counsel, led by Toyin Onaolapo, rejected the application of the DPP.
He said there is an urgent need for him to be granted bail or be taken to the mental asylum at the UITH for a mental examination to ascertain if he can stand trial or not.
He added that his mental and health conditions are deteriorating daily.
After the submissions of the two counsels, the court then adjourned for one hour and 30 minutes to rule on both applications.
At the resumed hearing, the trial judge, TS Umar refused to grant the accused bail.
Umar said there is no sufficient evidence to prove that the accused is unfit to stand trial.
He also added that there is no report from the correctional centre where he is been remanded that he was unfit to stand trial.
The trial judge however said he would rather go for an accelerated hearing and adjourned to 26 July, 2023.