The Deputy Chief of staff to the Senate President, Gbenga Makanjuola has been arrested and arraigned alongside two other by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) for alleged N3.5 billion fraud.
Others involved in the case of alleged fraud asides Mr. Makanjuola include, Melrose General Services Limited and Obiorah Amobi.
Following the arraignment of the accused persons, the lawyer of the EFCC prayed the court to remand them in prison pending the time when a proper trial would commence.
Responding, Makanjuola’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN) however drew the court’s attention to his client’s bail application which he said had been served on the prosecution while he sought the court’s permission to move it.
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The lawyer for the one of the accused involved in the case, Obiorah Amobi also made the same appeal to the court
Although they pleaded not guilty to the charges, the trial judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi of the Federal High Court in Lagos, had ordered the remand of the accused in prison until a trial date had been fixed; they however later got the court’s nod to move the bail applications.
While he argued for his client to be granted bail, Makanjuola’s lawyer, Mr. Erokoro said his client was a former member of the House of Representatives and as such was prepared to face his trial.
Counsel to the EFCC however urged the court to dismiss the bail applications claiming that the defendants constituted a flight risk.
After listening to the submissions of parties in the matter, Justice Kuewumi adjourned the case till October 9, 2018, for ruling on the bail applications.
Makanjuola’s boss, Senate President Bukola Saraki is currently seeking to contest for President on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He had been acquitted of charges of false declaration of Assets brought against him by the Federal Government earlier in the year.