Justice Christopher Balogun of a Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, yesterday granted bail to a United States-based Nigerian lawyer, Emeka Ugwuonye, standing trial over an alleged stealing and diversion of $94, 948.00 belonging to one Mr. Sola Adeyo, a client.
Ugwuonye was arraigned on November 15, 2011 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The trial judge, Justice Christopher Balogun, while admitting him on bail, noted that the purpose was not for Ugwuonye (defendant) to evade trial as he was reported to have circulated libelous and disparaging statements against the EFCC. Justice Balogun said: “In respect of the submission of the parties, it is not in contention whether this court has the jurisdiction to grant the defendant (Ugwuonye) bail. There is no convincing reasons why the suspect should not be granted bail. The defendant was admitted to bail in the sum of N6 million and two sureties in like sum, and must be resident in Lagos State, having credible evidence of property ownership in Lagos, with three years tax clearance.