The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama on Friday granted bail in the sum of N10 million each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge.
The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, border on the alleged forgery of documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney. The documents were reportedly used to assert ownership of a property in London allegedly acquired unlawfully by the late Jeremiah Useni.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
The prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not oppose the bail applications presented by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) on behalf of Ozekhome and F. R. Onoja (SAN) for Useni.
In a brief ruling, Justice Chizoba Oji granted each defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety apiece, who must own property within the FCT. The court also directed them to surrender their international passports.
Justice Oji further ruled that as the proceedings took place on a Friday, the defendants could return home if they were unable to immediately meet the bail conditions. However, they are required to appear in court on Monday to perfect the terms, failing which they will be remanded in custody.
