Forgery: Court grants Saraki, Ekweremadu, others bail
(Nigeria) An Abuja High Court sitting in Jabi on Monday, granted bail Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, who were arraigned before the court by the Federal Government on on a two-count charge of forgery and conspiracy.
Also arraigned and granted bail were the former Clerk of the
National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and the Deputy Clerk of the Assembly,
Benedict Efeturi.
The Federal Government through the Office of the
Attorney-General of Federation brought the charge against the principal
officers of the legislature.
The prosecution had accused the defendants of conspiring to
forge the 2011 Senate Standing Order on June 9, 2015.
It alleged that the document was circulated among other
senators and used to elect the principal officers of the 8th National Assembly.
The Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Mohammed Diri, said the offence
contravened Section 97 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 364 of
the same law.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty when the charged
was read to them.
Mr Paul Erokoro, SAN and Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, who led the
other defendants’ counsel, applied for unconditional bail of their clients.
They said the alleged offences were bailable, adding that
the defendants were prepared to stand justice.
They further said the positions held by Saraki and
Ekweremadu were strategic to the smooth running of the National Assembly as an
arm of government.
The prosecution opposed the bail of Maikasuwa and Efeturi,
adding that they were directly involved in the administration of the
institution.
``My Lord, there is the likelihood that they will tinker
with evidence if granted bail. As for Saraki and Ekweremadu, we do not have any
objections as the Federal Government is not inclined to distabilise legislative
process,’’ he said.
The judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf after reviewing arguments
advanced by the counsel admitted all the defendants to bail.
Yusuf, however, held that the bail was not automatic, adding
that the defendants must produce two sureties each with landed property in
Maitama, Garki or Asorkoro Areas of the FCT.
He further said the sureties must be certified as people of
integrity and good standing.
``Failure to meet these conditions would lead to the remand
of the defendants,’’ he held.
He adjourned the matter till July 11.
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