SAN FRANCISCO, June 19, (THEWILL) – A Minna High Court, on Monday, remanded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Niger State, Barr. Tanko Beji, in prison.
THEWILL recalls that Beji is being arraigned on a one-count charge of aiding and abetting former Governor of the state, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who is also standing trial, of looting the treasury of the state.
Beji served as Director General of Aliyu’s campaign organisation when the ex-governor was vying for the second term in office and was charged as the second accused person by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ex-governor’s trial.
When the case was called on Monday, the counsel to the accused, Olajide Ayodele, urged the court to release his client on bail.
“He is a well- known person in the state and the legal profession as such cannot jump bail,” Ayodele said.
However, the counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Gbolahan Latona, opposed the application, saying the offence for which the PDP chairman was charged was not bail able by virtue of section 341 sub section 2 of the criminal procedure code.
The Judge, Justice Aliyu Maiyaki, ruled that the court has jurisdiction to hear the case and ordered that Beji remain in prison till Friday when he will rule on his bail application.
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