The Ademolas were arraigned on an eleven-count charge before Justice Jude Okeke of an FCT High Court sitting in Maitama. They pleaded not guilty to al the charges. After the pleadings were taken, counsel to Justice Ademola (the first defendant), Dr. Onyinyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) informed the court of a motion on notice dated and filed on Dec 8, 2016 for the bail of the first defendant and urge the court to grant it. Counsel to Olabowale (the second defendant), Chief Robert Clarke (SAN), moved a similar bail application on behalf of his client. Prosecution counsel, Segun Jegede said the prosecution is not opposing the bail applications. “In principle, we are not objecting to the applications. However, I implore your lordship to impose such conditions that will make the defendants attend their trials”, he said. He referred the court to Section 162 of the ACJA as conditions for granting the bail. He said they must not attempt to evade trial nor try to influence, interfere with or intimidate witnesses. And they must also not attempt to conceal or destroy evidence. He urged that they be made to deposit their passports and other travel documents with the court registry until the case is concluded. However, Ikpeazu urged the court not go beyond the conditions of the administrative bail earlier granted to the first defendant by the complainant. He said the conditions include bail on self-recognizance. And that the complainant did not require the first defendant to deposit his passport or other documents as condition for the administrative bail. He referred the court to Section 165(1), 167(2) of the ACJA. He said the first defendant will enter an undertaking to make himself available for the trial in the same manner he availed himself for the arraignment. Clarke aligned himself with the submission of Ikpeazu but added that the 2nd defendant being the substantive Head of Service of the Lagos State government, carries a huge amount of responsibility not just within the country but outside it. He said asking for her passport to be deposited may hugely hinder her duty which involves travelling out of the country for conferences. He said the court may however ask her to enter into an undertaking to remove any iota of doubt. Justice Okeke ruled that each defendant is granted bail on self-recognizance in the sum of N50m and each of the defendants should deposit their international passport with the court registry pending the determination of the suit. ]]>