EFCC Asks Court Not To Grant Ex-NBA Chair, Ogunlana Adesina Bail

The EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, S. O Jaji, on Monday informed an
Ikeja Special offences court that Ogunlana Adesina, a former
Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
should not be granted bail as he not only jumped administrative
bail, but is also actively tampering with prosecution
witnesses.

“The 1st defendant has been tampering with prosecution witness,
he also jumped bail. He went and put the name of prosecution
witnesses on social media,” Mr Jaji informed the court.

“The witnesses are afraid to come to court and testify. Some
have informed prosecution that they can’t come to court to
testify.

“From the inception of this case, the first defendant has been
violent. They have lied before this court once and we urge your
lordship not to grant bail application.”

Mr Jaji also told the court that the second defendant, Yinka
Faroumbi, assaulted an EFCC operative.

“The 2nd defendant assaulted an EFCC operative while jumping
bail.”

The counsel to the 1st defendant, Akin Olatunji, urged the court
to grant the defendants bail, noting that the obligation to grant
bail is at the discretion of the court and the court should
exercise that discretion.

“The court is at discretion to admit the defendants to bail,
after their arraignment. The essence of bail is for defendants to
be present in court. They are responsible personalities who are
ready to come for the trial anytime as demonstrated in their coming
since Monday,” Mr Olatunji said.

The incident referred to by EFCC took place during a meeting of
the NBA earlier this year while the EFCC tried effecting his arrest
during the congress.

On why bail should not be granted to the third defendant,
Aderinola Kappo, Mr Jaji said she presented a fake address to the
EFCC.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun adjourned till June 6, for ruling on
the bail application.

At the last sitting, the presiding Judge, Mojisola Dada, had
granted temporary bail to the defendants on the ground that they
were members of the bar and easily identified.

“I have considered the case of the matter and considering the
fact that the defendants are ex-officials of the Nigerian Bar
Association, the court will be granting them a temporary bail.”

The defendants are standing trials on 30 count charge bordering
on alleged money laundering, stealing and conspiracy.

The allegation against the three defendants is that they
conspired and stole Twenty million naira, belonging to the
association, NBA.

The trio were alleged to have converted to their personal use.
They allegedly put the said amount into Mr Ogunlana’s First Bank
account through the issuance of cheque without authorisation
between 2016 and 2018.

The prosecution informed the court that the offences are
contrary to Sections 278 (1) (b) and 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of
Lagos State of Nigeria, No. 11, 2011, Conspiracy to commit felony
to wit. Stealing contrary to Section 409 and 285 (1) of the
Criminal Law of Lagos State No.11 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria
2011.

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Emir of Kano Frees 33 Inmates

The Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi ll CON has paid the sum of six
million naira as fines and compensation to free 33 Inmates of
Central and Goron Dutse Prisons in Kano.

During the event, the Emir urged the lucky inmates to be of good
behavior in the society and to make good use of the opportunity
given to them by engaging in productive ventures.

He further stressed that the
released inmates should re-enter the society with apologies to
their parents and fear of God.

He call on them to refrain from any misconduct or unruly
behavior which may negativity affect their lives.

The Inmates were filled with joy and happiness. They expressed
their appreciation for the good gesture from the Emir.

The Controller of Prisons Kano, Magaji A Abdullah represented by
the DCP Admin Yahuza Aliyu thanked the Emir for the relentless
support and assistance given to the inmates and staff in Kano
Command.

DSP Musbahu lawan K/Nassarawa.
CPRO Kano Command.