The former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh has appealed to an Abuja Federal High Court to order his release from Kuje prison.
Badeh through his lawyer, Akin Oluijimi sort for a consequential relieve of court, saying he has met the bail conditions earlier granted by the court but was yet to be released due to the default of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
“We initially had issues with meeting the bail terms and in view of this, we filed a motion for variation of bail but we were made to understand that your lordship has not signed the bail documents.”
“We had thought that the recommendation of the court registrar, your lordship would have signed.”
Olujimi contended that Badeh should not be made to suffer the “default of the EFCC who have failed to meet the order of the court.
He, therefore, prayed Justice Okon Abang to sign the bail document so as to effect Badeh’ release from prison.
The prosecution led by H.O.P Ejiga in its response said the EFCC had done almost everything regarding Badeh’s bail, adding that what is left is just the “valuation of properties and the learned Senior Counsel who is the lead counsel of the prosecution team, Rotimi Jacobs had told the defence team that it would be sorted out by the end of today.”
Justice Abang while ruling on the defence motion said where a party flouts a court order, the prosecution is allowed to pursue committal proceedings which is in consonance with the constitution.
Actual trial of Badeh is yet to commence, however, a mild drama occurred earlier as fully armed policemen stormed the courtroom but where later ordered to stay outside by the trial judge, Justice Abang.
More details to come…
