NNPC ex-boss, Yakubu, gets N300 million bail

Absence of judge stalls trial of Atewe, Akpobolokemi

A federal High Court, Abuja Division, has admitted former Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, to bail in the sum of N300 million.

Some of the conditions for the perfection of the bail however include provision of two sureties in like sum. While one of the sureties must have a landed property within the Abuja metropolis, the other must be a resident of Abuja and they shall swear to an affidavit of means.

Aside the order for his international passport to be submitted to the court registrar, Yakubu was also barred from travelling outside the country in the course of his trial.Justice Mohammed, however, ruled that an accused person is entitled to bail except in a situation where there is a sign of an attempt to destroy evidence or that he may commit another offence.

The judge added that in the circumstance, the prosecution has not shown any proof that any of these will occur if the defendant is released on bail. Justice Mohammed, who held that the court was concerned with whether the defendant is entitled to bail or not, adjourned till May 9, 2017 for commencement of trial.

In another development, the absence of Justice Ayotunde Faji of the Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday stalled the trial of Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe (rtd) and Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi.

Standing trial with them are Kime Engozu and Josephine Otuaga. Justice Faji was said to be on an official assignment outside Lagos.Consequently, the trial of the accused persons has been adjourned till June 19, 20, 27, 28 and 29, 2017.