Following accusations of forging a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate, Senator Benson Konbowei has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre by a High Court in Apo, Abuja.
The Bayelsa Central Senator faced charges before Justice Christopher Oba on March 26, 2024.
Accused under the charge CR/028/2023 by the Inspector General of Police, Konbowei allegedly falsified a document labeled ‘Certificate of Exemption’ bearing number 000256454 dated July 4, 2008.
The police alleged that the Senator violated Sections 366, 156, and 158 of the Penal Code Act CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, subjecting him to punishment under Section 364 of the same Act.
Pleading not guilty to the charges during his arraignment earlier on Tuesday, the Senator was permitted to return home, with a hearing set for his bail application on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Following deliberations by legal representatives, the court granted the Senator bail in the amount of N50m, requiring two sureties with landed properties possessing Certificates of Occupancy in the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice Oba stipulated that the Senator be detained in Kuje Correctional Centre until he meets the conditions for bail.
The case has been scheduled for further hearings on June 24, 25, and 27.