Embattled star actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima on Thursday got a reprieve in her manslaughter conviction as she was granted bail. Ibinabo had earlier been convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment in absential following her earlier refusal to appear in court despite an order to appear in court and defend herself against the charge of reckless driving and manslaughter preferred against her over the death of one Dr. Siraj Giwa.
Justice Deborah Oluwayemi of Lagos High Court granted the actress bail while ruling on an application filed and argued by her counsel, Fred Agbaje.
Justice Oluwayemi while delivering the ruling said her hands were tied to exercise the discretion on bail otherwise in view of the fact that the prosecution represented by the Solicitor General of the state, Lawal Pedro (SAN), did not oppose or challenge the averment in the applicant's 35-paragraph affidavit in support.
"Where facts stated in an affidavit are uncontroverted by the respondents, the court is bound to admit same as facts," the court held.
She, however, dismissed the ground of ill-health canvassed by the applicant, stating that "the applicant is not in serious danger of health."
The conditions attached to Fiberesima's bail are, however, stringent as the freedom was in the sum of N4 million with two sureties who must be residents and landed property owners in Lagos. They must deposit the certificate of occupancy of the properties with the court registry.
Besides, they must also show evidence of payment of tax in the last three years by producing their tax clearance certificates.
On her part, Ibinabo was also mandated to deposit her international passport with the court registry as she must remain within the jurisdiction of the court until the matter is disposed off.
At the end of proceeding, a subdued Ibinabo covered her face to avoid barrage of cameramen who had laid ambush for her at the entrance to the court.
The frail-looking mother of two, who spotted a black short sleeve shirt atop a white skirt, covered her face with black cloth to shield herself from the anxious photo-journalists.