By Akinwale Kasali
Winner of the maiden edition of MTN Project Fame in 2008, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, is enmeshed in a Car theft saga with his former record label, Temple Management Company.
Iyanya was alleged to have absconded with a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser SUV belonging to the company he previously signed to, forcing the company to press legal charges against him.
Following this development, Iyanya was arraigned before Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile. He was granted bail to the tune of N20 million, and ordered to produce a surety in like sum.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile also specified that the surety must have a landed property in Lagos, with a Certificate of Occupancy.
He warned that if the singer fails to fulfill the conditions of the bail within seven days, it would be revoked.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile concluded that the ‘Kukere’ crooner does have a case to answer regarding the allegations, saying: “I have perused the affidavit and counter-affidavit of the parties; there is a prima facie case of criminal conversion case against him.”
The judge admitted that the singer was unlikely to jump bail and/or interfere with proceedings of the case.
“…There is nothing to show that the defendant will interfere with the proceedings of the case and nothing to show that he will jump bail if granted…,” he said.
Iyanya had earlier failed to appear in court, despite being served with the charge and hearing notice, causing the case to be adjourned six times.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has been adjourned to 26th and 27th of May, 2020.
