Embattled Maryam Sanda’s mother, Maimuna Aliyu, her brother Aliyu Sanda and a girl, Sadiya Aminu, who were arraigned at an FCT high court sitting in Jabi for alleged complicity in the murder of Bilyamin Bello, have been granted bail.
The accused were arraigned on a two-count charge of culpable homicide and obstruction of justice as amended during last week’s hearing.
They were granted bail on the condition that they must submit all traveling documents, land and property documents and also provide one surety each.
This came after the defense counsel to the accused, Joseph Dawodu, pressed for bail to be granted to the accused in an 18-paragraph affidavit supported by a medical report and a detention order.
The document were on the premise that the first ground of bail is covered by a medical report and that the maternal care of the accused 8-month old baby is key to the child’s survival.
Mr Dawodu also argued that the administration of criminal justice act takes care of the issue of bail as stated in Section 166 and as such implored the court to use its discretion to consider bail.
He cited section 1612 of the criminal court of justice act, ACJA, as a premise for his clients to be granted bail, but was refused by the court.
The presiding judge stated however that the section only deals with exceptional cases and as such, Sanda’s case was not well grounded to grant her bail.
The court therefore denied Sanda bail and ordered her continued remand in prison, saying the application for bail presented by Mr Dawodu was not concrete enough.
On his part, the prosecutor counsel James Idachaba says he is pleased with the court’s decision and he that they are very prepared for the next hearing.
“The ruling is exactly what it’s supposed to be because ordinarily the exceptional circumstances to be shown for the bail to be granted and the condition presented has not been made, that is what his lordship has expressly stated.”
The case was adjourned till February 5, 6, 7 and 8 next year.
