15 July, 2017
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama yesterday granted bail to a former Governor of Jigawa State, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the former governor at an event in Abuja on July 4, following an arrest warrant the commission claimed was issued against Turaki about three years ago.
Opposing the application, EFCC counsel Mohammed Abubakar told the court that Mr Turaki was arrested on the strength of a bench warrant, following his refusal to attend his court sessions since his case was transferred from Abuja.
"Our action of arrest was in furtherance of Section 35 (1b) of 1999 Constitution, as well as a valid order of the court". He would be required to submit his traveling documents to the registry of the court.
"Permit me to observe that laws must be respected, and obediently so".
The post Alleged N36bn fraud: Court grants Turaki bail from EFCC custody appeared first on Vanguard News. "Was it not this same court that he refused to stand before prior to now?"
"Counsel representing people charged for commission of offences must learn to frown at the conduct of such people, if not, it will spell doom and a very huge danger to our country".
"If morality cannot be regulated, then behaviour can be regulated. Bail is fundamental with human rights; it usually shall be granted on terms".
Justice Yusuf Halilu also ordered that he must deposit his worldwide passport and other travel documents to the chief registrar.
He further informed the court that the EFCC had complied with the bench warrant and wanted to produce him before the court before it discovered that the judge was already observing his annual vacation.
Turaki is also to report at the Abuja office of the EFCC every fortnight and record his visits in a register to be opened yesterday.
The court adjourned the hearing of the substantive motion for enforcement of fundamental human rights until July 20.
In the alternative, the EFCC wants the court to order that Turaki be remanded in prison pending the court's readiness for further proceedings.