JUST IN: Court grants former SGF Babachir Lawal N50m bail

Barely 24 hours after he was remanded in the EFCC custody, an
FCT High Court has, Wednesday, granted former Secretary to the
Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal bail.

Recall that just Yesterday, the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, arraigned Mr. Lawal before a Federal High court
in Abuja over his use of a company said to be owned by him to
remove what he had described as ‘invasive grass” at the cost of
over N272 million.

Lawal had pleaded not guilty to the 10 count charges the EFCC
pressed against him, bordering on alleged conspiracy and fraudulent
acquisition of property.

But the court, on Wednesday, granted both Lawal and two other
bails in the sums of N50m each with one surety each who must
possess titles to lands within the jurisdiction of the court, show
evidence of payment of tax for the past three years and must be
residents within the jurisdiction of the court.

The court also held that the former SFG and the two others must
deposit their international passport with the court pending the
fulfillment of their bail conditions.

The court adjourned the case till March 18, 2019 after adding
that Both Mr. Lawal and the two others must remain in EFCC’s
custody until they fulfill their bail conditions.