Boko Haram Senator Latest: Senator Ali Ndume Released On Bail
An Abuja Federal High Court, on Monday, granted bail to Ali Ndume, the Senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly who is currently facing a four-count charge on terrorism.
Ndume’s lawyer, Rickey Tarfa, SAN, cited the provisions of Section 35(4)and(5) of the 1999 Constitution, saying that an accused remained innocent until proven guilty. Tarfa said it was illegal to continue detaining the accused after December 5, 2011, when initial charges against him were withdrawn at the Abuja Chief Magistrate Courtand urged the court to grant Ndume bail.
He added that the Senator Ndume’s health condition required that he be granted bail to enable him receive effective medication and told the court that his client is a person of repute who would not jump bail.
However, the prosecution counsel, Olufunmilayo Fatunde opposed Tarfa’s application, saying the prosecution had established a prima-facie case against Ndume. Instead, she requested accelerated hearing of the case due to the national threat that the Boko Haram sect poses. She argued that Ndume might jump bail or use his influence as a Senator to interfere with evidence and threaten the lives of witnesses.
It will be recalled that Ndume was arrested in November for allegedly sponsoring the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, and faces up to 20 years imprisonment if found guilty.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole granted Ndume bail conditioned upon the payment ofN25 million and the guarantee oftwo sureties in like sum.
Kolawole slated the Senator’s trial for January 2, 2012.
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