By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, yesterday granted bail to one Mrs Chinyere Amuchienwa Igwegbe, who allegedly furnished the police with false information against a former governor of Imo state, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim and one, Chinedu Okpareke.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-counts charge preferred against her by the Police.
Sequel to not guilty plea, counsel to the defendant, Ifeanyichukwy Nweze apply for bail on her behalf.
Nweze, while moving the bail application filed and served on July 12, 2021 the bail of the defendant, along with an affidavit in support and other documents annexed, told the court that the same matter with same substances and parties is before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
He said the matter at Federal High Court, which has been taken over by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) is awaiting ruling in September and the police arrested the defendant on the same day, July 8, 2021 that the court sat on the matter, which she was the nominal complaint.
The counsel further told the court that the police has no right to take over a matter that has already been taken over by the office of the AGF.
In her response, the prosecution counsel, R. F Dimka did not oppose to the bail application, saying that, granting of bail is at the discretion of the court.
She however, prayed the court to attach stringent conditions in granting the defendant’s bail to ensure her presence in court to face her trial.
She argued that the defendant had refused to honour several police invitations to her during investigations and that, a warrant of arrest has to be secured before she was able to be appear in court on for her arraignment.
In a ruling, the trial Judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu said the offences for which the defendant was arraigned are bailable and held that the defendant provides two sureties, who must be resident in Abuja.
The two sureties, the Judge held must have a regular income and shall continue to produce the defendant in court for her trial until is dispensed off.
One if the conditions for bail reads that the defendant should deposits her international passports with the court and can only travel out of the country with the permission of the court.
The matter is adjourned till October 28, 2021 for trial.
