An Ogun state High Court sitting in Abeokuta on Monday granted bail to former governor of the state, Gbenga Daniel who is standing trial for misappropriation of N200 million, criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
Mr Daniel was re-arraigned on money after the charges against him were quashed by the court due to a shabby prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
After pleading not guilty to the 38 counts, the defence and prosecuting counsels argued for and against granting bail to the accused person.
Tayo Oyetibo, who represented the former governor, told the court that the most important criteria for bail were the assurance that the defendant will be available in court for his trial.
He added that baıl is a constitutional right of an accused person and as such should not be denied if defendant has shown that he would be available for trial.
The prosecuting counsel and lawyer representing the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, argued against the bail application on several grounds one of which is the safety of prosecution witnesses against the background of alleged fears that the defendant has a killer squad. He said the fact that a bail was granted by the court to the accused before does not mean that it will apply to the present application.
He said even if the court eventually grants bail, it should be with a very tough condition. “We urge your Lordship to exercise your discretion in the interest of Justice. We oppose the bail and if your Lordship will grant bail, it should be with stringent conditions.” Mr Jacobs said.
The former governor was later granted bail by the Presiding judge, Justice Olarenwaju Mabekoje in the sum of N500 million and two sureties in like sum.
The Judge demanded that the sureties for the former governor must possess landed properties in Ogun state and must deposit the title documents of the properties with the registrar of the court.
Mr Daniel and his sureties are to deposit two passport photographs with the court, while the defendant’s international passport is to remain in the custody of the EFCC.
