Ondo: Federal High Court Gives Stringent Bail Conditions To Examination Malpractices Suspects

By Ayodele Oni

Three suspects arraigned at the Federal High Court for alleged examination malpractices wit, impersonation, are to remain in custody due to their inability to meet bail conditions.

The suspects, Peter Okereke and two others were arraigned by the Attorney General of the Federation for engaging in examination malpractices at a computer based centre in Akure, Ondo State Capital.

When the matter came up for hearing, the Prosecuting Counsel, M. I. Osimen, called one witness, Oyegun Gabriel, the Technical Officer, that detected the malpractice.

Oyegun told the Court how the defendants were arrested at the Aina Awwal CBT Centre, Akure, for impersonation.

Furthermore, he also informed the Court that the defendants gave a written statement at the office of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), Akure Command.

Additionally, he said the documents tendered were in line with the Evidence Act, and were admitted and marked exhibits A,B, and C respectively.

Before the Court adjourned the case till February, 2024, it admitted to bail the three defendants. The Prosecuting Counsel did not object.

Justice T.O Adegoke, however, ruled that for each of the defendants, one surety each in the sum of one million naira bond each must be provided and the Sureties must have a company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC) and engage in business within the Akure metropolis.

Aside this, the sureties, the Judge also ruled, must show evidence of tax clearance for the past three years and must deposit the original copies of their company registration certificates with the Registrar of the Court, while the sum of one million naira by each of the  defendants sureties must be deposited in the account to be provided by the Court Registrar.

The Sureties and each of the defendants must also write an undertaking that the defendants would attend their trial till the conclusion of the case and that the Prosecuting Counsel and the Court Registrar must know the residence of the Sureties.