Badeh absent in court, bail hearing nearly stalled
– Alex Badeh was absent at the hearing on his bail application
– No reason was given for his absence
– The prosecuting counsel objected that Badeh must be in court for the hearing to take place
The absence of the former chief of defense staff, Alex Badeh on Thursday, March 10, nearly stalled hearing on his bail application before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Badeh during one his appearances in court
At the sitting, the applicant’s counsel, Samuel Zibiri informed the court that a motion for his clients bail has been filed before the court.
But the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs premising on Section 266 (b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act said the defendant must be in court unless at the hearing of an interlocutory application.
READ ALSO: No money was found in my house: Badeh challenges EFCC
However, the defense counsel in his objection said a bail application is an interlocutory application and can be heard in the absence of the applicant.
While there was no explanation from both parties on the absence of the former chief in court, no prison official was also present to explain why the defendant who is in prison custody is absent.
However, the judge, Okon Abang ruled that the provisions of the ACJA is very clear.
Abang agreed with the defense counsel that a bail application is an interlocutory application.
He further ruled that the hearing on the application can continue even in the absence of the applicant.
Badeh is facing charges for his alleged involvement in the widely distributed $2.1 billion arms deal popularly known as the Dasukigate.
He is currently in Kuje prison custody following a ruling on his bail application, an order made by the court.
READ ALSO: Just In: Alex Badeh heads to Kuje prison
The former chief is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for receiving $800,000 from his finance director during his tenure as the chief of defense staff.
He is facing a 10-count charge of criminal breach of trust and corruption to the tune of N3.9 billion.
Badeh has also denied all allegations against, stating that is being persecuted unjustly.
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