A Federal High Court has granted bail to a Supreme Court Justice, Sylvester Nguta, who was arraigned for alleged fraud and concealing evidence of corruption.
In his ruling on Monday in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho ordered that the accused be released with a bond of 100 million naira.
Defence counsel, Kanu Agabi, prayed the court to admit his client on bail after he had plead not guilty to the 15-count charge preferred against him.
On his part, the prosecutor, Charles Adeogun, objected to the bail application and stated that Nguta was capable of interfering with witnesses and concealing documents that could incriminate him.
Justice Tsoho explained that the application was allowed based on self-recognisance, since the defendant was in court and given his status as a Supreme Court Justice.
He added that although allegations of culpability in impeding cause of justice have been made against the defendant, his court was not aware of any official document revoking his administrative bail, based on the alleged offences.
The trial judge further stressed the need for the prosecution to maintain the honour of consistency and urged him to give the defendant the benefit of doubt on any material inconsistencies.