Court Orders Senator Ali Ndume’s Remand In prison

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, ordered Senator Ali Ndume to be remanded in Kuje Prison following the refusal of Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairperson of the defunct Pension Reformed Task Team (PRTT) to appear for his trial.

Justice Abang gave the order when Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Nigerian Senate, failed to file a formal application to show cause why he should not forfeit the bail bond of N500 million deposed on May 5 as part of the conditions for standing surety for Maina.

The lawyer for the EFCC, Mohammed Abubakar, had on November 18 asked the court to make an order for the lawmaker to forfeit the bail bond since Maina, who he stood surety for, had jumped bail.

Abubakar also asked the court to revoke Maina’s bail and issue a warrant of arrest on him.

Although the court granted the applications of the EFCC on Maina, it gave Ndume an opportunity to appear with his legal representative and adjourned until November 23, which is today.

Justice Abang, in his ruling on Monday, ordered Ndume’s remand pending the time he is able to fulfill the bail bond or produce Maina in court.

Ndume said he agreed to stand surety for Maina because the accused is one of his constituents from Borno South.

The former pension chief is charged with 12 counts of money laundering.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.