JUSTICE Chizoba Oji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has granted bail in the sum of ₦10 million each to prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include allegations of forging documents such as an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney.
The prosecution claims the documents were used to assert ownership of a London property allegedly acquired unlawfully by the late Jeremiah Useni.
Counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not oppose the bail applications moved by Ozekhome’s lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), and F. R. Onoja (SAN), who represented Useni.
In her ruling, Justice Oji granted each defendant bail of ₦10 million with one surety apiece.
The sureties are required to own property within the Federal Capital Territory.
The court also directed the defendants to surrender their international passports.
The judge noted that as the proceedings were held on a Friday, the defendants may return home if they are unable to immediately meet the bail conditions.
However, they are expected to fulfil the requirements by Monday or risk being remanded in custody.
