Just In: Abba Moro granted bail

– Court granted bail Moro as prosecution wasn’t able to prove that the ex-minister will interfere with investigation – The defendants must provide a bail bond of N100 million each and one sureties each in like sum

The Federal High Court, Abuja has granted the bail filed by former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro and an Assistant Director in the ministry, F.O. Alayebami. Meanwhile, the third defendant, Anastasia Nwaobia, will continue to enjoy administrative bail awaiting her trial. At the ruling today, March 3, the judge over the matter, Anwuli Chikere ruled that the prosecution has not been able to prove that the former minister will interfere with ongoing investigation. Chikere also said that mere allegations cannot be used as prove that the defendant will in any destroy evidences against him.

“I agree with the defendant that as a former minister and a responsible and senior citizen of Nigeria will not jump bail or escape justice and will present himself at all times for trial,” Chikere said. The third and fourth defendants are to provide one surety each. The sureties will also make available N100 million each. Chikere added that the sureties shall officers of civil service at either the federal or state level. The sureties must also be at the position of directors. They will submit two recent passports with their name and address at the back of the passports, and evidence of means and houses worth the bail bond at any part of the country.

The third and fourth defendants are also expected to submit their travel passport with the court registrar. For the second defendant, Chikere ruled that she continues on an administrative bail granted to her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Justice Chikere further adjourned the matter to Wednesday, April 27 for commencement of trial. Former minister and four others are facing an 11-count charge of money laundering committed during a deadly recruitment exercise in 2014. Justice Anwuli Chikere, who presided over the case, demanded on March 2 that Morro be returned to Kuje prison pending the determination of his bail application.