Court slams N10m bail on Orubebe

A High Court of the Federal Capital
Territory sitting in Maitama Wednesday
admitted bail in the sum of N10 million to
the former minister of Niger Delta Affairs,
Godsday Orubebe, and four others
standing trial before it for allegedly
diverting the sum of N2.3 billion. Orubebe,
Oludare Lawrence Alaba (an Assistant
Director, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs),
Ephraim Tewolde Zeri (Director of
Contracts in Gitto Costruzioni Generali
Nigeria Limited were yesterday arraigned
before the court on a six-count charge by
the Independent Corrupt Practices and
other related offences Commission
(ICPC).
They were accused of diverting the money
meant for the dualisation of Section IV of
the East-West Road.
The accused however pleaded not guilty
to all the charges when it was read out to
them.
The trial judge, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi,
after listening to the submissions from
both the defence and prosecution
counsels over their bail application,
admitted bail to the former minister in the
sum of N10 million.
The judge also ordered Orubebe to
produce one surety in like sum.
Adeniyi said Orubebe’s surety must be a
responsible Nigerian with evidence of
three years tax payment and land property
owner within the FCT.
The judge however ruled that Alaba and
Zeri should produce one surety each in
like sum, who must be an assistant
director in the civil service and a land
owner within the court’s jurisdiction and
that the sureties must depose to an
affidavit of means.
Adeniyi said Orubebe shall remain in the
custody of ICPC until his bail conditions
were met and adjourned the case till
November 10 for hearing.
The defendants were accused of diverting
about N2.3 billion meant for the
dualisation of Section IV of the East-West
Road.
Orubebe allegedly circumvented a Federal
Executive Council approval for the
dualisation of the Eket-Oron Road, part of
the East-West Road which runs from Edo
to Bayelsa.
He allegedly instructed the contractor,
Gitto Construction, to rehabilitate instead
of dualising as approved by the council. Source. National mirror