Fraud Allegation: Ahmed Idris, others know fate July 28

By Omotayo Ibiyemi

The trial of Former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, and his co defendants has been adjourned to Thursday July 28, for ruling on bail application filed by the defendants.

Justice Adeyemi Ajayi made the adjournment after listening to the submissions of the lawyers in the matter.

The former accountant General of Nigeria, Ahmed Idris and his co defendants arrived the Federal Capital Territory High court from Kuje correctional center in company with some armed prison officials.

When the matter kicked off on Wednesday, counsel for Ahmed Idris, Chris Uche told the court that he had filed an application for bail before the court and another further counter affidavit in response to the application filed by the prosecution.

Uche in his submissions urged the court to dismiss the prayers of the prosecution’s affidavit, stating that it had to do with trial proper and that the proceeding is not ripe for that.

Counsel for the other defendants who aligned themselves with Chris Uche’s submissions, stated that the prosecution already concluded the matter before trial and urged the court to grant their client bail.

Counsel for the prosecution, Rotimi Jacobs, countered the defendants’ bail application, urging the court to look into the merit of the matter as criminal breach of trust which attracts 14 years in prison, contrary to the submission of Chris Uche, that such an offence warrants just 7 years.

Jacobs also told the court that Public office corruption cases are crimes against humanity. He therefore urged the court to dismiss the bail application before it.

Justice Adeyemi Ajayi therefore adjourned to July 28 to rule on the bail application before the court.

The defendants had pleaded not guilty to 14 count charge bordering on stealing and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N109.5 billion, against them.