CBN Currency Scam: Court Strikes Out Bail

By Ogbolu George

The Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Thursday, struck out the bail application filed by Emmanuel Ordia, the fifth accused person in the N8 billion Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) currency scam.

Ordia has been standing trial alongside four others since 2005 over multiple charges bordering on conspiracy and re-circulation of mutilated currency at the Ibadan branch of CBN.

Counsel to the accused, Bayo Adegbite, had filed a bail application on behalf of his client on grounds of ill health

However, the trial judge, Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel, said he was not satisfied with the reason given by the defense team and therefore would not grant bail.

”The medical certificate indicates that the applicant has access to medical facilities at all times and that he is not in any danger,” he said.

The judge further said the Nigeria Prison service, who has the applicant in its custody, has medical personnel who could take care of him.

”It is the responsibility of the medical personnel to discharge their duty as expected; it behoves on them to inform the court about the state of health of the applicant. I do not have any report before me,” he added.

He urged both the prosecution and defense counsel to do everything possible to conclude the trial in time.

He then adjourned the case till March 13 for continuation.