A Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday granted bail to a former Managing Director, Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company(NSMPC) Mr. Ehidiamhem Okoyomon, on stringent conditions.
Okoyomon is facing extradition proceeding instituted against him by the office of Attorney General of the Federation, following a request by the UK government.
The former Mint boss is wanted in the UK over his alleged role in the bribery scandal involving officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company, NSMPC, and Securency International Pty of Australia, between 2006 and 2008.
A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said Okoyomon is expected to report to the agency every Monday.
The statement said: “At the last adjourned date, Alex Iziyon(SAN), counsel for Okoyomon had pleaded with the court to grant his client bail pending judgment.
“He averred that his client was entitled to bail and that, if granted, he will be available for trial.
“The prosecution counsel, Tanimu Almakura, told the court that before bail is granted, sufficient evidence must be placed before the court.
“Ruling on the bail application today, Justice Chukwu granted Okoyomon bail in the sum of N500million and two sureties who must be of the rank of executive director in government establishment and possess landed property within Abuja Municipal Area Council.
“Also, the sureties are to swear to affidavit of means and provide evidence of tax payment for the last three years.
” The two sureties are also to deposit two recent passport photographs with the court registrar.
“The two sureties and the respondent are to deposit their international passports with the EFCC, while Okoyomon is expected to report to the commission every Monday.
“Furthermore, counsel for the respondent is also to write an undertaking, while officials of the EFCC, the court registrar and the bailiff are to verify the terms.
Justice Chukwu adjourned the case to December 1, 2014 for final ruling.
President Umaru Yar`Adua had, in company with the then CBN Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, launched the new N5, N10 and N50 polymer notes on September 30, 2009 at the Presidential Villa.
The circulation of the new bank notes coincided with Nigeria’s 49th Independence Anniversary day.
But there had been allegations of shady deal between some CBN officials and Securency International Pty of Australia.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) had already probed the alleged N750million bribe offered by Securency to win the contract.
Although the contract for the printing of N5, N10, N50 notes were awarded in 2009, the bribery scandal involving Securency was perpetrated in 2006. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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