A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday fixed May 9 for ruling on a bail application filed by Dr Sani Shuaibu, charged with diverting N439 million pension funds.
Shuaibu, a former Director of Pension Administration in the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, was charged alongside four companies.
Justice Adamu Bello adjourned the ruling after counsel to the parties had argued the motion.
Mr Sunday Ameh (SAN), counsel to the accused, argued that the alleged offence was bailable, adding that he (Shuaibu) was already enjoying bail on the matter.
“My lord, the granting of a bail is at the discretion of the court; but doing so, the court must ensure it is done judicially and judiciously.
“The court must also be guided by the provision of the law which considers the accused innocent until proven otherwise.
“My lord, as it stands, the prosecution has not been able to prove the allegation made against my client and as such Shuaibu reserves the rights to be protected.
“Granting the bail application will further assist the applicant to have the ample time within which to prepare his defence,’’ Ameh said.
Chief Godwin Obla, counsel to the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC), submitted that it was in the interest of justice to discard the application, saying that the allegation against the applicant was weighty.
Obla said the EFCC amended the charge to enhance the acceleration of the case, adding that the accused had the capacity to circumvent the trial.
The EFCC counsel submitted that the accused had threatened him (Obla) to withdraw from handling the matter or be dealt with.
“My Lord in order not to pervert justice, the applicant must be kept in a safe custody while he undergoes the trial.
“Granting him the bail would be injurious to the prosecutor and witnesses.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is one of the charges being faced by the former director of pensions.
The EFCC alleged that Shuaibu used Badawulu Ventures Ltd., Ebunu Attah Investment, Muha Millenium Motors Ltd as well as Riba-Ile Petroleum Ltd to syphon the funds.
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