Daniel Granted N500m Bail

At last respite came the way of the embattled former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who is being prosecuted by the EFCC as an Ogun state High Court presided over by Honourable Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje this afternoon granted him bail despite the on-going workers' strike in the state.

Daniel, who is facing a 16-count charge of stealing, conversion by trustee of state properties and non- declaration of assets while in office was granted a bail in the sum N500 million with two sureties in like sum and who have landed properties within the court's jurisdiction.


Ruling on the bail application brought before it by the defence counsel, Justice Mabekoje said the two sureties must be resident within the court's jurisdiction and show evidence of ownership of landed properties within the jurisdiction.

The judge who affirmed that though the offences were bailable, said the accused could not be granted bail on self-recognition as earlier requested by the defence counsel.

The judge further stressed that, though offences number 1 to 12 carry a maximum of seven years jail term while those from 13 to 16 carry a maximum of 10 years, the whole essence of granting bail was to ensure that the accused person is available to face the trial.

Justice Mabekoje emphasised that the bail granted to Daniel shall be readily revoked if it is proven that Daniel could interfere with the course of justice or that the safety of the prosecution witnesses is jeopardised.

The judge stated that the accused person should remain in the EFCC custody pending when he could meet the bail conditions.

Immediately after giving his ruling, Daniel's supporters began to look for sureties.

Our correspondent later observed that the vehicles of both the Olomu of Omu Ijebu and the Ogirimadagbo of Ilodo entered the court, hoping that they came to stand as sureties for the ex-governor.

It was later clear that the duo of the Wusi of Makun Sagamu, Oba Timothy Adebisi Akinsanya and Col. Emmanuel Shoda (retd.) both from Sagamu,were going to stand as sureties for Daniel.

Earlier during the proceedings, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs had opposed the bail application on the ground that the petitioners alleged that the ex-governor has a killer squad who could be influenced by Daniel to silence the prosecution witnesses.