The Federal High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory has admitted Mr. Arinze Nwogba to bail set at ₦50 million, following allegations surrounding his involvement in a fraud scheme where he allegedly posed as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Presiding judge, Justice Salim Ibrahim ruled that the charges preferred against the defendant are legally bailable and do not attract capital punishment.
Addressing the court during the ruling, Justice Ibrahim pointed out that the accused demonstrated through his sworn affidavit that he would not abscond and would remain present throughout the trial proceedings.
The judge reiterated that granting bail remains at the discretion of the court, subject to necessary legal conditions.
Terms of the BailTo perfect the ₦50 million release condition, the court mandated that Mr. Nwogba produce two sureties in an equivalent sum.
Additional requirements stipulated by the court include:
Employment Status: At least one surety must be a civil servant in the federal service, occupying a position not lower than Grade Level 14.
Residential Location: Both sureties must reside within the Federal Capital Territory, with at least one owning a verified residence in the prime districts of Asokoro, Maitama, or Guzape. Financial & Identity
Verification: Each surety is required to file a formal affidavit of means, present valid tax clearance certificates spanning the previous two years, and submit official photocopies of their National Identification Number (NIN) slips along with the defendant.
The court directed its administrative registrar, alongside the prosecution, to thoroughly verify all submitted documents and issue an official verification report before the defendant’s release.
Background of the CaseThe police prosecution alleges that Mr. Nwogba operated under the alias “Dr. Stephen Igwe,” falsely claiming to facilitate lucrative educational supply contracts.
According to investigators, victims were solicited for sums including ₦900,000 and ₦3 million in mobilization fees, which were directed into designated bank accounts.
The defendant was subsequently tracked down and apprehended in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
While Mr. Nwogba maintains his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all counts, law enforcement agencies noted that a co-conspirator, Nnabuife Nwekpa, remains at large as investigation and prosecution efforts continue.
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