A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday admitted to bail, a Lebanese and eight Nigerians charged with theft and conspiracy.
The accused allegedly conspired and obtained 555,000 bags of rice valued at N550 million from Port Harcourt-based Cem Nig. Ltd. between February and March.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Sylvester Chukwu held that the offence for which the accused persons were charged was bailable.
They are Bassam Abood (Lebanese), Kelechi Madukanya, Amadi Richard, Enyi Christopher, Godwin Edet, Samuel Abeh, Chiwendu Ekete, John Abbah and Daniel Onuoha.
Chukwu explained that the court was convinced with the submissions of counsel to accused applicants that they (accused persons) would always be in court to stand trial when granted bail.
“In the spirit of justice, I therefore oblige the prayers for the accused persons who are now granted bail in the sum of N100 million in like sum each.
“They are each compelled to produce a surety not less than a Director in the Federal Civil Service who must have a landed property in the Federal Capital Territory.’’
According to the charge, the accused persons are likely to serve up to three years in prison if found guilty, having contravened the provision of the advanced fee fraud and other fraud-related laws.
Counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Samuel Malu, earlier opposed the bail applications as according to him, investigation into the allegation is still on.
The judge adjourned hearing of the suit to September 30.