Jonathan’s cousin, wife secure N1bn bail

Jonathan’s cousin and wife will get a temporary reprieve from prison custody if they are able to meet a N1bn bail condition slammed on them, an Abuja High Court ruled on Wednesday.

Mr Robert Azibaola, who is former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin is allegedly involved in a $40m contract scam and had been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for 80 days before his arraignment at the High Court.

The trial Judge, Nnamdi Dimgba, also ruled that Azibaola and his wife must produce two sureties in like sum, in addition to the N1bn bail condition.

According to the court, the sureties must be owners of landed properties within the Asokoro District of Abuja.

It further stressed that the sureties must present evidence of payment of income tax.

Meanwhile, the defendants are to be remanded at Kuje Prison, pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions just as Justice Dimgba also ordered accelerated hearing on the matter.

Mrs Azibaola was allowed to go home on the basis of an administrative bail the anti-graft agency earlier granted to her while the case was adjourned till June 28, July 4 and 5 for commencement of trial.

 

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