EFCC Press Release: Ex-Governor Audu’s Son Gets Bail – Sahara Reporters 2013
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Federal Capital Territory High Court, presided over by Justice Abubakar
Sadiq Umar on Thursday 28 February, 2013 granted bail to Mustapha Audu,
son of former governor of Kogi state, Prince Abubakar Audu who is
standing trial alongside his wife, Zahra Audu and their company,
Constructor Guild Limited over an N18 million land scam.
The
couple who were arraigned on Tuesday 26 February, 2013 by the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC were alleged to have falsely
obtained the sum of N18 million from one Nike Kolawole under the
pretence that they will get her a four- bedroom house at Katampe
Extension, Abuja; and another property at Caemly Estate, Idu Sabo,
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Counsel to the accused, Okechuku
Ajunwa prayed the court to grant the first accused person bail since
because his first alleged offence he is eligible for it.
However,
the prosecuting counsel, Samuel Ugwuegbulam, opposed the bail
application. He said though the offence for which the accused was
charged is eligible for bail, it nonetheless carries a sentence of not
less seven years which could be a motivation to jump bail.
“I
urge this honourable court to fix a short date for trial so that the
case will be heard and justice be served in the shortest possible time.
The EFCC has only three witnesses to present which can all be heard the
same day.” He said.
The presiding judge having heard the
arguments of counsel, granted the accused bail in the sum of N5million
(five million naira) with two sureties in like sum.
He ordered
that the sureties must be residents within the jurisdiction of the court
and one of them must be a federal civil servant not below the rank of
level 10.
Mustapha Audu’s wife, Zahra was on the day of her
arraignment magnanimously allowed by the judge to enjoy the
administrative bail granted her by the EFCC owing to her status as a
nursing mother.