A Federal High Court, Abuja, this morning refused an oral bail application filed by the embattled former Speaker House of Representatives, Hon Dimeji Bankole, ordering him to remain in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bankole is facing a 16-count charge of contract inflation and award of contracts amounting to N894 million without recourse to the Procurement Act slammed against him by the EFCC.
Attempt by his counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) to move the oral bail application was frustrated by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo who objected. Keyamo argued that the allegations against the former Speaker were weighty and required that materials be placed before the court.
Justice Donatus Okorowo upheld the objection.
Before adjourning till June 10 for hearing, he directed the defence to file a formal bail application.
He also fixed July 26 and 27 for trial.
Meanwhile Bankole’s lawyer faulted the mood of his client arrest by the anti-graft agency complaining that the incident was over bloated both on national and international media even when the trial was yet to commence.
But the Judge said the court lacked the power to restrain the press from its job.
He however pointed out that courts have power to punish for contempt.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Add A Comment