The Federal High Court, Jabi, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has pronounced detention on the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and two other persons over alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules.
The court however, quickly granted bail on the would-be detainees on condition that they must provide two sureties each who must have landed properties in any of Maitama, Asokoro or Wuse 2 area of Abuja.
They, along with a former Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Ben Efeture, were arraigned on Monday before Justice Halilu Yusuf of Court 32.
In granting the bail, Justice Yusuf said that if they are unable to meet the conditions of the bail, they should be remanded in Kuje Prisons.
The accused had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Federal Government, which opposed bail for the accused through a counter-affidavit seeking their remand, the maintained that the defendants had by their conduct, committed an offence punishable under Section 97 (1) and 364 of the Penal Code Act.
There was heavy security presence within perimeters of the court which shares boundary with the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), where Saraki is also answering to another 16-count charge bordering on his alleged false/anticipatory declaration of assets.
Supporters of the embattled lawmakers thronged the court premises in their numbers to observe the proceeding.
Earlier, armed security operatives barred photo-journalists from gaining entrance into the court premises, a development that led to protest by the journalists.
It took the intervention of lawyers to persuade the mobile police men to grant the camera men entry into the premises. [myad]
