Alleged N3bn Scam: Kogi Gov’s Nephew, others to remain in prison till Feb. 20

grant the request.

The senior lawyer, who argued that based on the 1999 Constitution, an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, prayed the court to use its discretionary power in their favour.

He further argued that the antigraft agency’s charge was based on mere allegations which could not be substantiated.

Besides, he said Bello was earlier granted an administrative bail by the EFCC during its investigation and did not breach the terms, hence, he wondered why the commission opposed to his bail plea.

Raji also urged the court to grant the 2nd to 4th defendants’ bail application.

He said that the commission had been investigating them for over a year and the EFCC admitted them to bail during which the international passport of the 3rd defendant was released to him to travel to Saudi Arabia without breaching bail conditions.

He urged the court to grant the prayer.

But Hussein, who opposed the application, said two separate counter affidavits were filed in the regard.

He said he relied on the depositions in opposing their applications.

The lawyer argued that the applicants had not shown sufficient materials to deserve the bail.

Hussein, who said they were flight risk, said they had the capability to interfere in the trial if granted bail.

Although he admitted that the defendants were earlier granted bail, he expressed fear that they could jump bail if the judge acceded to their request.

He prayed the court to refuse the application.

He, however, applied that excessive bail conditions should be attached if Justice Egwuatu decided otherwise.

But Raji urged the court to exercise its discretion based on Section 165(1) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).The judge fixed Feb. 20 for ruling.(NAN)