A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama on Friday granted bail in the sum of N10 million each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge bordering on alleged forgery, court officials said.

The bail decision followed the arraignment of Ozekhome and Useni before Justice Chizoba Oji. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the offence, which the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation instituted against them.

The charges allege forgery of documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, and accuse the defendants of using the documents to claim ownership of a London property.

The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not oppose the bail applications filed on behalf of Ozekhome and Useni.

In her ruling, Justice Oji admitted each defendant to bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety each. The sureties are required to be owners of property within the FCT.

The court further ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the registry.

It also noted that since the proceedings occurred on a Friday, the defendants could return home if they were unable to perfect the bail conditions immediately but must return to court on Monday to do so.

Failure to meet the bail conditions could result in remand in prison.

Justice Oji said the defendants could go home if unable to meet the bail conditions by the end of Friday, but must return on Monday to perfect the conditions, failing which they would be remanded in custody.

The bail granted to Ozekhome and Useni highlights ongoing legal proceedings involving high-profile individuals in Nigeria’s legal community.

The matter underscores the role of the judiciary in managing criminal charges and bail conditions, as well as adherence to legal processes in cases involving senior legal practitioners and public figures.