By Obinna Uballa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama on Friday granted N10 million bail each to senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, and Ponfa Useni, son of the late former FCT Minister, Jeremiah Useni, following their arraignment over an alleged fake passport linked to a property dispute in the United Kingdom.
Justice Chizoba Oji admitted the two defendants to bail after they pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge brought against them by the Federal Government.
The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, did not oppose the bail applications filed by Tayo Oyetibo, counsel to Ozekhome, and F. R. Onoja, counsel to Useni.
In her ruling, Oji granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum. The court directed that the sureties must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory.
The judge also ordered both defendants to deposit their international passports with the court as part of the bail conditions.
The New Diplomat reports that Ozekhome was arraigned on allegations of using a fake Nigerian passport in connection with a disputed property matter in the United Kingdom. Useni was joined in the 12-count charge filed before the court.
Both men denied the allegations, setting the stage for trial proceedings.
