- Safiu Kehinde
NPO reported that the elder brother to the estranged P-Square music duo was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Having pleaded not guilty, the presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, granted Okoye bail at N50 million, with two sureties of equal sum.
The sureties must, however, reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide proof of tax payments for the past three years.
According to report, the judge, while delivering his ruling on the bail application moved by Mr Okoye lead counsel, Mr Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), said, “I have considered the affidavit evidence and oral application submitted by the parties.
“The singular issue for determination is whether or not the court should exercise its discretion in favour of the first defendant by granting him bail.
“Section 115 (2) of the ACJL confers the discretion of this court to grant bail in cases not punishable by death.
“I am therefore satisfied that the issue for determination of bail should be resolved in the defendant’s favour.”
Justice Oshodi, however, held that the sureties should be gainfully employed and should show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He also ordered that the defendant should submit his dual citizenship documents to the chief registrar of the court.
The judge also ordered the EFCC to notify the immigration office to withhold the defendant’s international passport pending the determination of the case.