Executive Chairman of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Tacuma Ogunseye denied attempting to excite racial hostility, as he made his first court appearance at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court today.
Ogunseye was arraigned before Magistrate Fabayo Azore. Despite publicly stating that he would confess to the crime with explanation, Ogunseye instead denied the allegation and as such was granted his pretrial liberty at a cost of $100,000.
Ogunseye was represented by attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes who opined that the offence is a bailable one, hence he sees reason why bail should be denied.
Outside the courthouse, Hughes said, “There were offences such as attempted murder, rape, assault causing grievous bodily harm, all of which carry life imprisonment, and which people are entitled to bail at the magistrate’s court. The magistrate then admitted Mr Ogunseye to bail.”
Also speaking to the press was the accused, who told media operatives that the case against him is baseless and feels that when the trial is concluded, he will be vindicated.
“I think they are clutching at straws; I have been in public life for over half of a century and speaking at numerous public meetings throughout the years, and I think I understand the parameters of public discourse and I try to stick within those parameters. I don’t believe they have anything of substance but obviously the court will have to decide,” Ogunseye said.
He told reporters that while he was detained at the Brickdam Police Station over the weekend, he was not mistreated by ranks who were put in charge of him.
“The police were very professional and although we attack them when they misbehave, I think we have to give them credit when they act professionally,” he said.
Ogunseye will make his next court appearance on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
