By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA — The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail on self-recognition to former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, who is facing trial over alleged complicity in a N676  million job recruitment scam that led to the death of no fewer than 20 persons across the country.

The court, however, seized the International passport of the ex-minister, who is answering to an 11-count criminal charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, filed against him.

Justice Anwuli Chikere, who delivered the ruling, granted Moro’s co-defendants, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwobia, who was the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior when the alleged fraud was committed, and a  Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. F. O Alayebami, bail to the tune of N100 million each.

The duo were also directed to produce one surety each in like sum, who must not be below the level of a Director in either federal or state  employment.

The sureties must not only tender a letter confirming their employment, but also depose to an affidavit of means before the court.

They are to also surrender the title deed of their property in any part of the country as well as two of their recent passport photographs.

Whereas the 3rd defendant, Alayebami, is to remain in Kuje prison, pending the perfection of his bail, Justice Chikere held that the second defendant, Mrs. Daniel-Nwobia, who is a nursing mother, should remain on administrative bail until she perfected the conditions.

Justice Chikere maintained that the EFCC failed to adduce valid reasons the defendants should not be released on bail.

The Judge said the essence of bail was to ensure the attendance of a defendant to face trial, saying accused persons are not to remain in prison on the basis of mere allegations.