A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, has granted the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, bail on self recognition in the case of alleged illegal possession and disbursement of N650m during the 2015 Peoples Democratic Party elections brought against her and two other chieftains by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Akinjide and the former Senator representing Oyo Central, Chief Ayoade Adeseun, and another chieftain of the party, Chief Olanrewaju Otiti, had been charged with illegal possession and disbursement of the N650m collected from the former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison Madueke, without authority and without going through financial institution as recognised by law.
Akinjide and Otiti had pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge brought against them on their arraignment on June 22, 2017.
The duo had pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. While Akinjide was granted self recognition bail, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, however imposed on Adeseun and Otiti bail conditions of N100m with one surety each in like sum.
Chief Richard Ogunwale (SAN) represented Akinjide, Adeosun represented Adeosun, while Adeniyi Ishola represented Otiti.
They all urged the court to admit their clients to bail on liberal terms.
The Judge however ruled that Senator Adeseun, who was absent in court at the last sitting, should in addition to fulfilling the above bail conditions, must submit his international passport to the court pending the determination of the matter.
The Judge in her short ruling therefore adjourned till September 12, 2017 for commencement of trial or in the alternative report of plea bargain.
Report by Banke Kunle
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