By Gbenga Abulude (Politics and General Desk)
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered Senator Ali Ndume to be remanded in Kuje correctional centre.
Justice Okon Abang made the order following Ndume’s failure to produce Abdulrasheed Maina, who is standing trail before the court on different charges.
Recall that Abdulrasheed Maina is the former Chairman of defunct Pension reform task team who is facing trial on 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, illegal operation of fictitious bank accounts, and fraudulent activities.
Read also:
Pension Scam: AGF Seeks Maina’s Arrest
BREAKING: Maina To Forfeit 23 Properties To FG
EFCC Denies Share in Seized Pension Assets, Says Maina Still A Wanted Man
FG Stopped Payment of Maina’s Salary Since March 2013 – Adeosun
Recall also that Maina who was initially remanded in prison custody was later bailed by Senator Ndume who reportedly stood as surety for the accused.
However, reports indicate the Maina seemed to have jumped bail as his whereabout is said to be unknown as he has not appeared in court.
While handing down his order, Justice Abang held that having failed to produce Maina, who is believed to have jumped bail and having also been unable to show cause why he should not forfeit his bail bond, ruled that Ndume should be remanded in prison custody, and should only be released if, and when he meets either of three conditions listed below.
Justice Abang listed the conditions as : One, Ndume pays N500m bail bond into the Federation Account of the Federal Government and present evident of such payment in court. Two, the FG sells the property situated in Asokoro, Abuja which he(Ndume) pledged as security for the bond and present evidence of sale and payment of the N500m realised into the Federation Account. Three, he produces Maina, who is believed to have now jumped bail, in court.
Immediately after the judge’s pronouncement, the senator from Borno South District was taken away from the courtroom.
More details later…
Read also:
BREAKING: Court Grants Maina N1bn Bail
Court Grants Maina’s Son N600m Bail
Maina’s Gate: EFCC Seals Another Property
N2bn Fraud: Witness Narrates How Pension Funds Were Diverted by Oronsaye, Maina
