In a significant development, Justice J. O Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja, has scheduled the commencement of the trial of the ex-Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye, for February 12, 2024.
Agunloye is currently facing a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges primarily revolve around allegations of fraudulent award of contracts and official corruption, amounting to an astonishing $6 billion (Six Billion US Dollars). These charges are in violation of Section 22(4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
During the court session on Thursday, January 11, 2023, which was convened to deliberate on Agunloye’s bail application, the defense, represented by counsel Adeola Adedipe, SAN, sought the court’s consideration. However, the prosecution, led by Abba Muhammed, vehemently objected to the bail application. Muhammad presented two counter affidavits, dated January 8 and January 10, 2024, consisting of 76 and 25 paragraphs, respectively. These affidavits, deposed by Umar Hussain Babangida, formed the basis of the prosecution’s objection.
“We are objecting to the general application by the defendant in an affidavit made on January 8, 2024, consisting of 76 paragraphs. The deposition was made by Umar Hussain Babangida. We also filed a further counter-affidavit, dated January 10, 2024, consisting of 25 paragraphs, deposed by Umar Hussain Babangida, annexed with the same exhibits. We rely on all the exhibits and depositions on the counter-affidavit on the defendant’s application for bail, and we also adopt the written address,” stated the prosecution counsel.
In response, the defense counsel highlighted the defendant’s health condition and appealed to the court to grant bail on liberal terms.
Justice Onwuegbuzie, in his ruling, granted bail to Agunloye in the sum of N50 million (Fifty Million Naira only), with two sureties of equal value. These sureties, as mandated by the court, must be individuals of reputable standing residing within the Federal Capital Territory. Additionally, they are required to submit copies of their identity cards and international passports to the court registrar, depose an affidavit of means, and commit in writing to produce the defendant throughout the duration of the case.
The judge further stipulated that the sureties must provide evidence of property ownership (Certificate of Occupancy) valued at N300 million (Three Hundred Million Naira) within Maitama, Abuja. Agunloye was directed to surrender his travel documents to the court registrar, refrain from traveling abroad without the court’s permission, and undergo verification of his residential address by the court.
