By Ameh Ejekwonyilo
Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday granted bail to former governor of Imo state, Ikedi Ohakim, who is standing trial for money laundering.
Ohakim was arraigned on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge bordering on money laundering.
Moving the bail application yesterday, Ohakim’s counsel, Chris Uche, prayed the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms, adding that the charges for which he was arraigned are bailable.
Prosecuting counsel, Festus Keyamo, urged the court to refuse the application.
After listening to both parties, the trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola admitted the accused person to bail in the sum of N270 million with one surety who must be resident in Abuja.
The surety, according to the judge, must have landed property within Abuja and must swear to an affidavit of means.
The surety, Justice Ademola held, must also to deposit his/her international passport with the Deputy Registrar of the court.
The case has been adjourned to October 20, 2015.
It would be recalled that Ohakim was arrested by EFCC’s operatives on July 7, 2015.
The former governor is being prosecuted, among other things, for making a cash payment to the tune of $2, 290,000.00 for the purchase of a piece of land at Plot No. 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, otherwise known as No.60, Kwame Nkurumah Street, Asokoro, Abuja.