Orubebe granted N50m bail over alleged diversion of N2.3b

An Abuja Federal High Court sitting in Maitama on Wednesday granted a N50million bail to a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe and two others arraigned before it.

Godsday Orubebe, Oludare Lawrence Alaba an Assistant Director, Ministry of Niger Delta Affiars), Ephraim Tewolde Zeri (Director of Contracts in Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Limited) and the company were arraigned on a six-count charge marked: CR/265/2016 of allegedly diverting the sum of N2.3 billion.

The accused were said to have diverted the money meant for the compensation of property owners to be affected by the Federal Government’s dualisation project of Section IV of the East West Road.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Kayode Adeniyi granted the ex-Minister bail at N10m and one surety, who must be a responsible Nigerian, resident in Abuja and must show evidence of regular tax payment.

The judge granted Alaba and Zeri bail at N20m and one surety each, who are to be residents in Abuja.

The judge said Alaba’s surety must be an Assistant Director in any Federal Government’s agency, while Zeri’s surety must own property in Abuja and show evidence of ownership.

Justice Adeniyi ordered the defendants to be kept in ICPC’s custody pending when they are able to process the bail granted them.

He adjourned to November 10 for commencement of trial.

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