A high court in Minna, Niger state capital, has granted a N150 million bail to Babaginda Aliyu, former governor of the state, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Aliyu was arrested alongside Umaru Nasko, his chief of staff, who also contested the 2015 governorship election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
They were charged with conspiracy and dishonest conversion for personal use, the sum of N4.568 billion belonging to the government of Niger.
The EFCC had said the misappropriated funds are ecological projects funds as well as money realised from the sale of 16 per cent shares of the state in the North-south Power Company.
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The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Aliyu Mayaki, the presiding judge, while ruling on the bail application said Aliyu is admitted to bail in the sum of N150 million with two sureties in like sum, who must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
“The sureties must also deposit Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)of landed property worth not less than N200 million, situated within the jurisdiction of the court,” he said.
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“The second applicant is granted bail in the sum of N100 million and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must deposit C of O of landed property worth not less than N150 million.”
The judge also held the EFCC had not adduced concrete evidence to show that the defendants would interfere with justice, if granted bail.
He said that the defendants had no criminal antecedents and that they provided sufficient materials in support of their applications.
The case was adjourned until June 12 for further hearing.
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Photo credit: NTA
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