The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama on Friday granted bail of N10 million each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count charge.
The case was instituted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which accused the defendants of forging documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney. The documents were allegedly used to assert ownership of a London property said to have been unlawfully acquired by the late Jeremiah Useni.
Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) did not object to the bail requests submitted by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) on behalf of Ozekhome and F.R. Onoja (SAN), who represented Useni.
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In a short ruling, Justice Chizoba Oji approved bail in the sum of N10 million for each defendant, with one surety apiece. The sureties are required to own landed property within the FCT. The court also directed the defendants to surrender their international passports.
Justice Oji noted that since the matter was heard on a Friday, the defendants could return home if they were unable to fulfil the bail terms immediately. However, she instructed them to appear before the court on Monday to complete the process or face remand in prison custody.
Details later…
