A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to the former governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha in the sum of 500 million naira and a surety in likes sum.
Justice Inyang Ekwo admitted the defendant to bail after his counsel and the prosecution counsel concluded argument both in favour and against the application.
Delivering a ruling on the bail application, the trial Judge held that the former governor, who is the current Senator, representing Imo West Senatorial District in the National Assembly must produce one surety who must be resident in Abuja and must have property worth the bail amount within the jurisdiction of the court.
According to Justice Ekwo, Okorocha must not travel out of the country without the permission of the court and must deposit his international passport with the registrar of the court. Defence counsels reacted to the bail conditions shortly after the court ruling.
Equally admitted to bail by the judge is his co-accused, Anyim Nyerere who was mentioned in the 17-count money laundering charge In the case of Nyerere, the court ordered that he should continue on the administrative bail granted him by EFCC, for exhibiting good conduct while on bail.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had, on May 30 arraigned the former governor and six others on charges, bordering on alleged conspiracy, stealing, conversion of public funds and money laundering to the tune of 3.1 billion naira.
The trial of the All Progressives Congress presidential aspirant has been adjourned till November 7.