Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja today ordered that Honourable Dimeji Bankole, the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives should be remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) till Friday, June, 10 when his bail application would be taken by the court.
On his arraignment, the former Speaker pleaded not guilty to the 16 counts filed against him. His lawyer, Chief Gboyega Awomolo protested that the EFCC deliberately embarrassed his client by arranging photographers and journalists to cover his client’s arrest.
Festus Keyamo who represented the EFCC however responded that the anti-graft agency was not using the media to embarrass the former Speaker. He went further that he does not have control over the media and that both parties in the case have equal access to the media.
Hon. Bankole’s lawyer’s oral application for bail was refused and the judge ruled that he should be remanded in custody till Friday when the application would be taken. The judge however adjourned the case and fixed trial for July 26.
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