A Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, granted bail to Robert Azibaola, a cousin of the former president, Goodluck Jonathan, for allegedly receiving $40 million from the Office of the former National Security Adviser.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba in his ruling on the bail application filed by Azibaola and his wife, Stella, upon their arraignment before the court, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), granted Robert, bail in the sum of N500 million
The court also granted bail to his wife who had been enjoying administrative bail from the EFCC, in the sum of N500 million, while the applicants must provide two sureties in like sum who must provide a bond and must own properties in Asokoro or Maitama, and show evidence of tax payment for three years.
The judge also ruled that the registrar must verify all the above for final approval from the court.
The accused persons are to be remanded in Kuje Prison until the bail conditions are met.
Having perused argument from both parties, the court observed that a lot of things have become common within the country, according to Justice Dimgba, every citizen is assumed innocent until proven guilty, convicted by a competent court of law.
He however noted that unless there was a possibility that the accused person would evade trial, interfere with his trial while on bail or jump bail then he or she could be denied bail.
The Federal Government had earlier, after spending 80 days in the custody of the EFCC, arraigned Roberts Azibaola and his wife Stella before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a seven-count charge bothering on money laundering, on the alleged payment of $40 million into their company, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, by the Office of the former National Security Adviser.
SEYI ANJORIN
