Justice Sule Hassan of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday deferred ruling on the bail application filed by former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-kayode, till Monday, July 4.

Fani-Kayode, who was the Director of Media and Publicity in the campaign committee of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is charged with money laundering, alongside three others. They include Nenadi Usman, former Minister of Finance, and one Danjuma Yusuf, representing Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Ltd. .

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had preferred a 17-count charge against the accused bordering on unlawful retention, use and payment of money to the tune of about N4.9 billion. .

The judge adjourned to rule on the bail application after parties have exchanged arguments. EFCC counsel vehemently opposed the bail of the accused. Mr. Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) represented Usman while Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) represented Fani-Kayode.

They prayed the court to grant their clients bail on self-recognizance or on liberal terms, noting that an accused is presumed to be innocent until he or she is found guilty by the court.

Orbih submitted that his client was abroad when she learnt that EFCC wanted to see her and returned on her own to report to the agency. He added that she was granted administrative bail by the EFCC and that she did not breach the terms.

He also stated that Usman is receiving treatment abroad and therefore needs the bail so she can be seeing her doctors while facing trial. .

Adedipe arguing for Fani-Kayode, submitted that his client was in the custody of the prosecution for 50 days. He prayed the court to grant him bail, adding that if his client is granted bail, he would not temper with the course of justice or influence witnesses.

But the counsel representing EFCC, Mr. Mark Anana, who opposed the bail application, argued that all the documents tendered by Usman on the issue of ill health were photocopies.

After listening to the parties, Justice Hassan, adjourned till Monday July 4, for ruling.