Court grants former C’River State governor’s aide bail over alleged murder
Ani Bassey
A High Court sitting in Calabar, has granted bail to Ntufam Oscar Ofuka, former Special Adviser to the immediate past Cross River State governor Professor Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development and Control.
Ofuka, was arrested by the authority of the state and detained for allegation of murder and has languishing in police custody since July 8,2024.
In suit No. HC/84F/24, presided over by Justice Ukpai Ibitham, Dr Ofuka prayed the court for enforcement of his fundamental rights to life, fair hearing and freedom of movement.
The application for bail was brought in pursuant to order IV Rules 3&4 of fundamental enforcement (Civil Procedure) rule,2009, as well as section 36(6) (B) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The court said the bail is pending the determination of the substantive application or the conclusion of investigation by the force headquarters,Abuja.
The court also said Dr. Ofuka should be granted bail once he meets with bail application of N50m and reliable surty who owns landed property.
The court has however restrained the respondents the Nigeria police, Secretary to State Government SSG, State Security Adviser and other seven respondents from from taking further steps in connection with the matter or staying all actions pending the determination of the substantive application or the conclusion of investigation by the force headquarters Abuja.
