Bail - Invaders of Justice Mary Odili's residence

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, produced 15 suspected invaders of the Supreme Court judge, Mrs Mary Odili’s residence at 7, Imo Street, Maitama, Abuja, for arraignment at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The suspects were arraigned before Justice Nkeonye Maha on 18-count amended charge bordering on forgery, criminal trespass, intimidation, extortion, among others, contrary to the sections of the law.

Justice Odili's residence was allegedly invaded by armed security operatives on the grounds of alleged tip-off by a whistleblower, Aliyu Umar, who claimed to have observed suspicious activities at the residence.

An Abuja Chief Magistrate, Emmanuel Iyanna, was said to have issued a search warrant to a body identified as the Joint Panel Recovery Unit in the Ministry of Justice, leading to the invasion of Odili’s home.

The magistrate later revoked the order, saying he was misled while the police and other security agencies also said they was not aware of the raid.

In a further development, 12 out of the 15 suspected invaders of the Supreme Court Judge, Justice Mary Odili residence, arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja, have now been granted bail.

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday evening, granted bail to 12 of the accused persons.

They are to pay the sum of N5 million each with two sureties in like sum.

According to the ruling, the first surety must be a responsible citizen, with landed properties in like sum while the second, must be gainfully employed in Abuja with three years tax clearance.

The 14th defendant had no application for bail. 

However, the court refused to grant oral application for bail from the  11th and 15th defendants.

Pending the perfection of their bail applications, the 12 persons whose bail applications were granted will be remanded at the Kuje correctional center, along with the others.

The case, was thereafter, adjourned to January 17, 18, 2022 for hearing.

Mary Ukaego Odili (née Nzenwa; CFR) born 12 May 1952, is a Nigerian judge and wife of Peter Odili, who served as Governor of Rivers State from 1999 to 2007. She was appointed an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (JSC) by President Goodluck Jonathan and was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Katsina-Alu on 23 June 2011.