Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High court yesterday granted bail to ex-chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu to the tune of N1 billion with two sureties in like sum.
While delivering his ruling on the bail application, Justice Obiozor said: “Bail is hereby granted to the defendant to the tune of N1billion with two sureties in like sum.
He also said that the defendant shall keep the original copy of his international passport with this court and shall not travel outside the country without the approval of the court.
According to him, the Deputy Registrar of the Lagos division shall verify all documents submitted by the defendant and sureties and pending the perfection of bail, the defendant shall be remanded in prison custody at Ikoyi prison.
Earlier in the proceeding, while making an oral submission to the counter affidavit filed by the prosecution opposing the defendant’s bail application, Ahmed Raji, counsel to the defendant urged the court to disregard the position of the prosecution as there is no evidence to back up their claims in the counter affidavit.
Pleading with the court to deny granting bail to the defendant, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said: “We have witnesses that have worked closely with the defendant and if granted bail, they will intimidate and interfere with our witnesses.
Prof. Iwu is facing a four-count charge bordering on aiding unlawful concealment of funds suspected to be proceeds of fraud. He is said to have committed the crime between December 27, 2014 and March 2015.
Theguardian