A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Ndifon and his lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu, N300m bail
They were arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and are standing trial on amended four counts of alleged sexual harassment and an attempt to perverse the cause of justice.
The law Professor was granted bail in the sum of N250m with two sureties, Anyanwu was granted N50m bail also with two sureties.
Recall that the court had on January 8 remanded Prof. Ndifon in prison custody, while he was granted a temporary bail on January 10 to enable him to undergo eye surgery.
Anyanwu was joined in the amended charge filed by the ICPC on January 22 over an allegation by the prosecution counsel that he threatened the star witness of the commission on the phone while trial had commenced on the matter.
At the proceedings on January 26, the trial judge James Omotoso ordered the remand of Anyanwu alongside Ndifon.
Justice Omotoso had since then declined to hear their bail applications, citing the need to protect the ICPC’s star witness.
But ruling on their bail application on Friday, the trial judge, Justice James Omotoso, said, “Bail is granted to the first defendant in the sum of N250m with two sureties who own properties within FCT with a minimum valuation of N150m.
“The first defendant and his two sureties must submit their bank statements.
“The first defendants must submit his International passport to the court.
For Anyanwu, Omotoso said “The second defendant is granted bail in the sum of N50m with two sureties who will submit their bank statements.
“The defendants must file an undertaking not to interfere with the case, readiness to attend trial and not to cause delay.”
The matter has been adjourned to Monday for continuation of hearing. [Law and Society Magazine]