Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja ,on Tuesday, granted bail to former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha.
When the matter came up on Monday, lead lawyer to Okorocha, Mr OkeAmaechi (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail, arguing that it is his constitutional right to enjoy temporary freedom pending trial.
But the prosecuting EFCC lawyer, Cosmos Ugwu opposed the bail application on the grounds that Okorocha did not keep the terms of the administrative bail granted him by the Commission.
Having listened to the argument by the parties, Justice Ekwo held that granting bail was at the discretion of the court and consequently granted bail to the former Imo Governor in the sum of N500million with one surety.
The judge added that the surety must be a responsible citizen and own landed property, with verified Certificate of Occupancy within the jurisdiction of the court.
Justice Ekwo further directed that the C of O of the property and the international passport of Okorocha must be deposited in the court registry, saying that the former governor must not travel without the permission of the court.
Furthermore, Justice Ekwo ordered that Anyim Nyerere (the second defendant) should continue with the terms of the administrative bail offered to him by the EFCC.
The commission had on Monday, arraigned Okorocha alongside with Anyim Nyerere (a.k.a Anyim Chinenye), Naphtali International Ltd, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Ltd, Consolid Projects Consulting Ltd, Pramif International Ltd and Legend World Concepts Ltd on a 17-count charge, follwing their alleged involvement in stealing, conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N3.14billion.
The case has been adjourned till November 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 for commencement of trial.
