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Financial Fraud: Court To Rule On Bail Application By Former President Jonathan’s Cousin On Wednesday

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered Azibaola Roberts, a cousin of former President Goodluck Jonathan, to be remanded in Kuje prison until Wednesday, when the court will rule on his bail application.           

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba handed down the ruling when the case was called for hearing.  The court granted Robert’s wife bail, having been on administrative bail.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arraigned Mr. Robert with his wife on charges of financial fraud and diversion of $40million public funds through Oneplus Holdings, which was alleged to belong to him.

Mr. Roberts, who is also the Managing Director of Katakar Civil Engineering Company, arrived in the court in the company of EFCC officials holding hands with his wife.

He was docked on seven counts of financial fraud punishable under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, but pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution counsel, Aliyu Aliu, had earlier applied for the commencement of the trial, and also for the accused to be remanded in prison custody.

Defence counsel Chris Uche objected to that application, telling the court that they applied for bail to enable them prepare for the trial, and that they filed a motion on notice dated 24 of May.             

He disclosed that the motion was accompanied by a 20-paragraph affidavit of support of the application.  The prosecution counsel urged the court to dismiss the application.[slideshow]47263[/slideshow]

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Corruption Legal