Following an arraignment on three counts including forgery of the National Youth Service Corps exemption certificate, Senator Benson Konbowei, representing Bayelsa Central, has been granted a N50m bail by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo.
Despite opposition from the prosecution’s counsel, Rubben Egwaba, who expressed concerns that the senator might interfere with the trial if granted bail, the court allowed Konbowei to go home pending a ruling on his bail application scheduled for Thursday.
In his plea for bail, the defendant’s counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN), assured the court that Konbowei would not evade bail if released.
Ultimately, the trial judge, Christopher Oba, approved the N50m bail for the senator and mandated him to secure two sureties with landed properties in the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring that the Certificate of Occupancy of the properties is genuine.
However, Oba ordered Konbowei to be held at the Kuje correctional facility until he meets the conditions of his bail.
Furthermore, the judge adjourned the case for hearings on June 24, 25, and 27.
Should the senator fail to fulfill his bail conditions by the end of the working day, he may spend Easter in Kuje as per reports by NewsNow.
Further details will be provided later…