UPDATED: Court grants Okorocha N500m bail..

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail at N500million to ex-Imo Governor Senator Rochas Okorocha.


Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling on Tuesday, rejected the objection of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to Okorocha’s bail application.


Justice Ekwo said bail is at the discretion of the court, noting  that the Constitution provides for the defendant to be given adequate time to defend himself.


The judge said bail is granted to the first defendant (Okorocha) at N500million, with one surety in like sum, who must reside and own property within the jurisdiction of the court.


Justice Ekwo directed the Registry of the court to verify the documents of property to be presented as bail bond.


He also ordered Okorocha to deposit his international passport with the court registry.


The judge said Okorocha should  remain in the custody of the EFCC pending when he is able to meet the bail conditions.


The judge also granted bail to Okorocha’s co-defendant, Anyim Nyerere Chinenye on the conditions attached to the administrative bail earlier granted him by the EFCC.


While arguing his client’s bail application, Okorocha’s lawyer, Solomon Umoh, (SAN) urges the court to grant bail to the ex-governor on liberal terms.


Umoh argued that it was within his client’s constitutional right to be admitted to bail in line with the doctrine of presumption of innocence.


He added: “The applicant has been a man known in this society, therefore, the prosecution’s contention that he could not be served with the charge is not true as he could have been served through substituted means.


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