N676m Immigration Scandal: Abba Moro granted bail on self-recognition

Former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro

Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday granted former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro bail on self recognition.

In her ruling, she held that the prosecution failed to prove that Moro who was earlier held at the Kuje prison, Abuja, pending the determination of his bail application would jump bail. 

“The main essence of granting bail is for the accused to be available for trials and not to be imprisoned prior to trial.” she stressed.

According to the judge, “I believe Moro, a former Minister with no criminal record will not jump bail, therefore he is granted bail on self recognition.”

Also granted bail were the Deputy Director in the Ministry of Interior, F.O.Alayebami and former Secretary in the Ministry, Anastasia Daniel Nwobia. They were granted bail in the sum of N100m with one surety each in like sum.

Applicants preparing for the Immigration screening in Lagos.

The judge held that the each surety must be a Director in the Federal Civil Service Commission and must submit 2 recent passport photographs. They must also have landed properties worth the amount in any part of the country. 

All the defendants were further ordered to submit their International passports while the 3rd defendant continues on her administrative leave earlier granted by the court.

The former minister, with two others are standing trial on an 11-count charge over alleged complicity in a N676m immigration recruitment scandal. The amount was said to have been received from 676, 675 applicants. 

The matter has been adjourned to April 27 for commencement of trial.