Court Grants Dokpesi Bail On Stringent Conditions

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, granted bail to the former chairman of the Africa Independent Television (AIT), Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

Dokpesi was given the bail after he pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge of fraud and corruption levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was given a N200 million bail with two sureties each of whom must have properties worth N200 million and which must be verified by an established estate surveyor.

The sureties, according to the court, must also swear to an affidavit of means that in the event that the accused is not available for trial, the properties will be forfeited to the government.

Chief Dokpesi is also to deposit his international passport with the court.

The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, however, held that Chief Dokpesi must not be re-arrested and if there is any need to investigate him, the anti-graft agency should contact his lawyer.

He ordered that the accused be remanded in Kuje prison pending meeting his bail conditions and adjourned till February 2.

(Tribune)