An Abuja high court on Tuesday granted bail to Chidi Duru, a
former member of the house of representatives, who was on a four-count charge
of alleged fraud.
The charge bothered on diversion
of funds and criminal breach of trust.
At the beginning of proceedings,
Sylvanus Tahir, prosecuting
counsel, protested that the accused did not comply with section 256
administration of criminal justice act (ACJA) by taking his place in the
dock.
Chidi was seated outside the dock during the court proceedings.
But Peter Affen, the judge, directed that he should take his plea
outside the dock.
“There are some things I don’t bother about as long as it’s along
with the law,” he ruled.
Tahir urged the court to the court to accept the four-count charge
against Duru dated January 12 and filed January 16.
But Duru pleaded “not guilty” after the charges were read.
The prosecution further sought for a trial date to enable him
present his witnesses against the accused.
He also prayed the court to remand Duru in custody, saying he
should not be granted bail because there was no written application before the
court.
“No material (formal application) has been placed before this
court any material to enable the court grant him bail,” he said.
Citing section 162 of the ACJA, Tahir said the defendant has been
evading arrest and should not be granted bail.
Responding, Abdul Mohammed, counsel to Duru, asked the court to
grant his client bail as entailed in the ACJA.
Maintaining that the defendant is entitled to bail unless the
court sees reasons why he should not be released, the defence counsel said its
request should be granted on “reasonable terms.”
Mohammed argued that the requirement of a formal application for
bail was a “misconception” of law and should be “discountenanced.”
Ruling on the matter, Affen said he took judicial notice that the
defendant was a lawyer.
He granted bail to Duru on self-recognition, but asked him to
submit his international passport.
The court adjourned hearing into the matter to February 27.
On January 15, the management of First Guarantee Pensions Limited
(FGPL), where he was vice-chairman until 2011, said Duru stormed the company’s
premises with some gunmen, with the intention of taking control.
Duru was also accused of illegally diverting N20 million belonging
to FGPL.
thecable
No comments:
Post a Comment