Alleged N937m fraud: Court grants PDP Chairman N150m bail

Chairman of the Niger State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Tanko Beji, has been granted bail in the sum of N150m by a Minna High Court.
In his ruling, on Friday, Justice Aliyu Mayaki also ordered Beji to produce two sureties in like sum, who must also have landed property worth not less than N200million within the court’s jurisdiction.

Justice Mayaki held that the prosecution failed to give cogent reasons why the defendant should not be granted bail.
Recall that the Judge had on Monday ordered Beji to be remanded in prison custody till today when he will rule on his bail application.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had arraigned Beji in amended charges, alongside former Governor of the state, Babangida Aliyu and former Commissioner of Environment, Umar Nasko over alleged N937m fraud.

EFCC accused all three of criminal breach of trust, punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Niger, Cap 94, Vol. 3 Laws of 1992.
Earlier, counsel to the former governor and Beji, Ayodele Olajide had prayed the court to grant the PDP chairman bail, as he was a long standing lawyer, practicing in the state.
However, counsel to the anti-graft agency, Gbolahon Latona, opposed the bail application, but urged the judge to use his discretion.