A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in the Jabi area of Abuja on Friday granted bail to a former Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Ngozi Olejeme.
Olejeme, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was arraigned before the court on October 21 on nine counts bordering on abuse of office, receiving bribe and awarding contracts without due process.
Delivering a ruling on Friday, Justice Maryam Aliyu said she was inclined to grant the defendant bail because of the materials placed before the Court, which the prosecution did not dispute.
The judge adopted the conditions attached to the administrative bail earlier granted the accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2017.
The conditions included that the defendant should produce two deputy directors in government employment to stand as her sureties.
Following an application by the EFCC’s lawyer, Steve Odiase, Justice Aliyu adjourned the case till November 8 for the commitment of trial.
The judge who promised to accord the case accelerated hearing, ordered the EFCC to bring as many witnesses as possible on the next date.
Source: Punch