The senator representing Borno South senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Ali Ndume, has been ordered to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja by the Federal High Court, Abuja, following the refusal of Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairperson defunct Pension Reformed Task Team, PRTT to appear for his trial.
Ndume, who stood surety for Maina, who is now on the run, would remain in custody until he produces the defendant or disposes the N500 million worth of property located in Asokoro, Abuja, used as bail bond, according to the court order by Justice Okon Abang.
The judge, Justice Abang, gave the order when Mr Ndume failed to file a formal application to show cause why he should not forfeit the bail bond of N500 million deposed on May 5 as part of the conditions for standing surety for Mr Maina.
Lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mohammed Abubakar, had on November 18 asked the court to make an order for the lawmaker to forfeit the bail bond since Maina, who he stood surety for, had jumped bail.
Mr Abubakar also asked the court to revoke Maina’s bail and issue a warrant of arrest on him.
The court consequently granted the applications of the EFCC on Maina, and gave Ndume an opportunity to appear with his legal representative and adjourned until November 23, which is today.
In his ruling on Monday, Justice Abang ordered Ndume’s remand pending the time he is able to fulfill the bail bond or produce Maina in court.
The lawmaker said that he agreed to stand surety for Maina, who is facing a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of over N2 billion, because the accused is one of his constituents from Borno South.
