Elizabeth O.
Godwin Emefiele Granted N300m Bail And Restricted To Abuja in N1.2bn Fraud Case
This development comes as Emefiele faces charges of alleged procurement fraud amounting to N1.2bn.
Justice Hamza Muazu approved the bail with two sureties providing the same amount. The sureties must possess certificates of occupancy and titles to properties located within Abuja’s Maitama District. Emefiele has also been instructed to surrender all his travel documents to the court registrar and remain within the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
However, Godwin will remain in the Kuje Correctional Centre until he fulfills the conditions of his freedom.
It was reported that he was absent from court proceedings on Wednesday, potentially due to the earlier-than-scheduled hearing time. Furthermore, Emefiele was unable to secure his release on bail that day.
Justice Muazu rejected objections raised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission regarding Emefiele’s bail application.
Additionally, the judge disagreed with the agency’s concerns that Emefiele posed a flight risk, could interfere with the investigation, or jeopardize national security if granted bail. Justice Muazu pointed out that Emefiele had already been granted bail on November 8 by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Federal High Court in Abuja and had promptly appeared in court for his arraignment after one week. The judge emphasized that the granting of bail falls within the court’s discretion and is in accordance with the law.
