A Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Shamsudeen Bala, son of a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Bala Mohammed yesterday at N100million.
Shamsudeen was arraigned, with four companies, before the court on February 1, 2017 on a 15-count charge in which they were accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of engaging in money laundering to the tune of N1.2 billion.
The companies are: – Bird Trust Argo Limited, Intertrans Global Logistics Limited, Diakin Telecommunications Limited and Bal-Vac Mining Nigeria Limited.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge on the day of his arraignment, following which the court took arguments on his bail application, ordered his remand in Kuje prison, Abuja and adjourned to yesterday for ruling on the bail application.
Shamsudeen, who was brought to court yesterday by prison officials, was dressed in traditional attire (agbada), with which he concealed his handcuffed hands. The handcuff was only removed by prison officials when he was led into the court room.
In his ruling on the bail application, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba said although the prosecution opposed granting bail to the defendant, he was minded to admitting Shamsudeen to bail.
The judge said: “Every citizen is entitled to adequate time and facilities to prepare for his defence. A defendant is entitled to bail to show that the presumption of innocence is real, except there are reasonable grounds to believe that the defendant will commit another crime, attempt to evade trial, or attempt to interfere with investigation
“I am not convinced that any of the negative conditions that prevents the court from exercise his discretion in favour of the defendant exists and if there is cannot be remedied by bringing the defendant to face his trial if he jumps bail.
“I hold, therefore, that I am inclined to grant the bail and I so grant him bail,” the judge said.
Justice Dimgba said, in reaching his decisions, he considered the fact that the prosecution did not disclose in the charge the source of the N1.2bn, the subject matter of the case.
The judge noted that the prosecution equally failed to state whether the accused person was a public officer and whether or not the money was looted from public treasury.
He said: “Nothing in this charge suggests that it originated from unlawful dealings. But, however, the court needs to send the signal that the allegation of corruption is taken seriously.”
The judge admitted Shamsudeen to bail at N100m, with two sureties, who must be private businessmen or public servants of the rank of Assistant Director and above.
The judge said the sureties must have landed properties in Abuja or within Lagos metropolis, excluding satellite towns.
Justice Dimgba, who ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport with the court, said he must produce three years’ tax clearance and must not travel without the consent of the court.
The judge directed that the bail should not be approved without a letter from the EFCC indicating that Shamsudeen has volunteered his biodata and biometrics, including his fingerprint to the EFCC, in line with the provisions of section 15 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Justice Dimgba added that in the event that the EFCC delayed in issuing the required letter, any of the defence lawyers could depose to an affidavit to show that the defendant has volunteered the information to the EFCC.
The judge ordered an accelerated hearing in the case and fixed March 27 and 28 for commencement of trial.
Shamsudeen, the judge added, is to remain in Kuje prison pending when he is able to perfect the bail granted him.