Fayose’s Ally, Agbele, Gets =N=500m Bail

An associate of Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, has been granted bail. Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court Abuja granted the bail to Abiodun Agbele, in the sum of N500 million. Agbele, who is currently standing trial in an allegation of money laundering to the tune of N4.6 billion, was arraigned before the court along with former minister of defence, Musiliu Obanikoro (in absentia). Justice Dimgba, while granting him bail, averred that the prosecution failed to show reasonable cause why the defendant would not be granted bail. The court held that an accused was presumed innocent until proven otherwise, as such, the purpose of bail was to provide an accused the best atmosphere to prepare for his trial. He was however required to produce two sureties in the sum of N250 million each with prove of property ownership in either in Abuja or Lagos. The sureties can be private businessmen or professionals, and where they are civil servants should not hold a position less than a director. The defendant shall also deposit its international passport with the court and can only travel outside the country upon receipt of permission of the court. The judge added that the registrar of the court must verify the documents presented and call on the EFCC when necessary. Agbele, Obanikoro (in absentia) and three others were arraigned on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the tune of N4.6 billion allegedly transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser by Sambo Dasuki. The other defendants are Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, De Privateer Limited and Spotless Investment Limited.