From Saka Bolaji, Minna
Judge Aliyu Maiyaki of a Minna High Court on Friday released on bail the Niger state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanko Beji.
Beji had been arraigned before the court along with the former governor of Niger state, Muazu Babangida Aliyu and ex- Chief of Staff to the former governor, Umar Mohammed Nasko.
Ruling on the application for bail filed on behalf of Beji by his counsel Mr Olajide Ayodele SAN last Monday, Judge Maiyaki released the accused person in the sum of N150m and two sureties in like sum.
Maiyaki also said that the two sureties should be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and must possess landed property worth N200m.
In addition the judge directed that the certificates of occupancy of the landed properties should be deposited with the registrar of the court for the duration of the case.
Maiyaki in granting Tanko Beji bail said the prosecution (EFCC) did not adduce evidence before the court that the trial of the accused person had generated tension in Minna and Niger state as a whole and that releasing him on bail would be dangerous for his life as claimed in the counter affidavit.
He however warned that the PDP chairman “should avoid doing anything that will lead to the revocation of his bail during this trial ”
There was jubilation by PDP supporters after the chairman was granted bail.
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