Gbenga Daniel has a killer squad, EFCC tells court at re-arraignment Justice Olarenwaju Mabekoje of an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta was on Monday told by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that a former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has a killer squad. Counsel of the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, said this in defence of his position that Daniel should not be granted bail as the commission re-arraigned him on a 38 count charge bothering on misappropriatio n of funds amounting to over N200 million, criminal breach of trust and abuse of office while he held sway as governor of Ogun State. According to a statement by the Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, Jacobs argued before the court that the fact that Daniel was granted bail during his initial arraignment does not mean that the conditions then could stand now. He argued that granting Daniel bail could put prosecution witnesses at risk. Jacobs, however, said that even if the court eventually grants bail, it should be with very tough conditions. "We urge your Lordship to exercise your discretion in the interest of justice. We oppose bail and if your Lordship will grant bail, it should be with stringent conditions," Jacobs said. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, appearing for the accused, urged the court to admit his client to bail. Arguing in support of the application and backed by a 27-paragraph affidavit, Oyetibo told the court that the most important criteria for bail were the assurance that the defendant will be available in court for his trial. He added that baıl is a constitutional right of an accused person and as such should not be denied if defendant has shown that he would be available for trial. Mabekoje granted Daniel bail in the sum of N500 million and two sureties in like sum. The sureties, who are to have landed property in Ogun State, are to deposit the title document of the property with the registrar of the court. Both Daniel and the sureties are to deposit two passport photographs with the court, while the defendant’s international passport is to remain in the custody of the EFCC. Daniel pleaded not guilty to the 38 charges.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Jul 2013 14:11:40 +0000
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