Court grants ex-Jigawa Gov Turaki bail

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, yesterday, granted bail to a former Governor of Jigawa state, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Th e anti-graft agency had arrested Turaki on July 4, at a public function in Abuja, based on a bench warrant issued on him by the Federal High Court sitting in Dutse, Jigawa state, in 2014. Turaki approached the court through his counsel, Olusegun Jolaawo, seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights. Arguing his bail application, Jolaawo submitted that the length of his stay in the EFCC custody is more than the 48 hours, the Constitution provided for. He also informed the court that his client is having health challenges that needed to be taken care of.

Opposing the application, counsel to EFCC, Mohammed Abubakar, informed the court the anti graft agency had in 2007 fi led money laundering charge against the applicant and arraigned him before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. He further argued that the fi rst trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, was later transferred to Lagos, a situation which prompted the reassignment of the case to Justice Adamu Bello (now retired). Turaki had brought an application seeking the transfer of the case to Jigawa. Th e court, however ruled in his favour, and transferred the case to Dutse Division of the court.

In his ruling, Justice Yusuf Halilu granted the applicant bail with two sureties who must be residents of the FCT with verifi able means of livelihood. He also ordered that the applicant “shall report to the EFCC every two weeks to sign a register which shall be opened from today (yesterday) until when the court resumes from vacation.” Th e court later adjourned the hearing of substantive motion for enforcement of fundamental human rights till July 20.

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