By OLAWALE AKINREMI

A former labour leader in Oyo State, Andrew Emilieze, has been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Ibadan, over alleged unlawful assembly and threat to invade Aso Rock.”

Emelieze, 54, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge levelled against him before Justice Nkeonye Maha.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Idowu Ojo, accused Emelieze of issuing a statement injurious to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, unlawful assembly and threatening to invade Aso Rock.

The defendant, a former chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State, was further accused of denouncing the invitation of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Ojo told the court that the former labour leader allegedly committed the crimes between May 16 and June 30 at the secretariat, Ibadan, causing fear and disruption of public peace.

Meanwhile, the defence counsel, Mr Femi Aborisade, submitted a 36-paragraph affidavit, praying the court to admit his client to bail in liberal terms.

Consequently, Emelieze was granted bail in the sum of N1.5 million with one surety in like sum.

Thereafter, she adjourned the suit until Feb. 18 and 19 for hearing. (NAN)