Daily Independent (Lagos)
Joe Nwankwo
10 October 2008
Abuja — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, before an Abuja High Court over allegations of converting over N5 billion belonging to the state government to personal use.
Wike, who pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge was, however, granted bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties who must be resident in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the court presided over by Justice Adebukola Banjoko.
In a swift reaction, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Magnus Abe, described the charges against the COS as baseless, pointing out that "there is no substance in all the allegations against him; the Rivers State Government will stand by him.
"We will pick his bills as he did nothing.
"His only offence was nothing other than doing his job as the Chief of Staff; he is just being persecuted.
"And we will make sure that he meets the conditions of bail. It is the handiwork of people who are bent on blackmailing the Rivers State Government," he stated.
In her ruling the judge had said: "I am minded that the offences for which the accused person is standing trial are bailable; therefore bail is granted in the sum of N50 million with two sureties who must be resident in the FCT.
"They must swear an affidavit showing evidence of payment of their taxes for three years. They are also to submit two passport photographs to the court's registry," she added.
Hearing on the matter continues on October 24.
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