Alleged Certificate Forgery: Court Grants Senator Friday Benson N50m Bail

The senator representing Bayelsa Central, Friday Benson has been granted fifty million naira Bail.

Justice Christopher Oba of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Apo granted him bail on Thursday.

The Senator who was arraigned on Tuesday on three charges bordering on forgery of the National Youth Service Corps exemption certificate among others, was allowed to go home pending the ruling on his bail application fixed for Thursday.

The counsel for the prosecution, Rubben Egwaba had opposed the bail application for the defendant. He noted that the defendant would interfere with his trial if granted bail.

The counsel for the defendant, Gordy Uche, urged the court to grant his client bail, assuring the court he would not jump bail if granted one.

Ruling on the bail application, the trial judge, Christopher Oba granted him N50m bail. In addition, he said the defendant must provide two sureties with landed properties in the Federal Capital Territory.

Justice Oba said the C-of-O of the sureties must be confirmed to be authentic. He, however, ordered that the senator be remanded in Kuje correctional facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

He subsequently adjourned the matter till June 24, 25 and 27 for hearing.