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$242m Scam: Court Refuses Bail Applications for Anajemba By Abimbola Akosile Hope by three accused persons Mrs. Amaka Anajemba, Chief Emmanuel Nwude, and Mr. Nzeribe Edeh Okoli, to regain their freedom pending trial before an Ikeja High Court, were dashed as presiding judge, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, refused and dismissed their bail applications. He instead insisted on accelerated trial with trial dates set for October 4, 5, and 6th. The accused persons were re-arraigned in a de novo trial in Lagos on Friday, July 23rd by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for their alleged involvement in a $242 million Advance Fee Fraud a.k.a. 419 scam, following an Abuja High Court dismissal of the former 86 count charge brought against the accused persons, allegedly for lack of jurisdiction since the offences were committed within Lagos jurisdiction. Even though accused persons' counsel had relied on Section 35(4) (a) of 1999 Constitution on right to liberty pending trial, Justice Oyewole had affirmed that the 95-count charge against the suspects were serious and attracted severe punishment upon conviction. In a forty-five minute ruling yesterday, Justice Oyewole said, "there is no absolute and unlimited guarantee of liberty. Necessary demands of good governance and orderliness in society cannot allow for such. From Section 35 of the Constitution, it is clear that a person can be deprived of his liberty upon his being reasonably suspected of committing a criminal offence". "Court still has discretion to exercise in deciding whether or not to grant accused persons bail. The exercise of this discretion must be made judicially and judiciously taking into consideration relevant laws and principles. Subject to proof at trial, I hold that there is in existence prima facie evidence against the accused applicants, which could possibly induce them to evade trial", he said. Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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