The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama on Friday granted bail of ₦10 million each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, shortly after their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge.
The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, borders on alleged forgery of documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, which prosecutors claim were used to assert ownership of a property in London reportedly linked to the late Jeremiah Useni.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo did not oppose the bail applications filed by defence lawyers Tayo Oyetibo for Ozekhome and F. R. Onoja for Useni.
In her ruling, Justice Chizoba Oji admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of ₦10 million each with one surety apiece, stipulating that the sureties must own property within the Federal Capital Territory. She also directed the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court.
The judge further ruled that because proceedings took place on a Friday, the defendants could return home if they were unable to perfect their bail conditions immediately, but must report back to court on Monday to complete the process or risk being remanded in custody.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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