A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday granted bail to Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former Senior Special Assistance to former President Goodluck Jonathan in the sum of ₦100 million.

Okupe, who was dragged to the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is facing a 59-count charge bordering on money laundering involving several millions of naira.

According to the details of charges by the anti-graft agency, the accused had between August 3, 2012 and October 8, 2014, in Abuja, allegedly used different companies to commit the offenses.

In his application after the charge sheet was read, counsel to the defendant, Tolu Babaleye prayed the court to grant the accused bail on liberal terms since he was still presumed innocent.

Counsel to the EFCC, Ibrahim Audu however objected to the bail application, arguing that the accused person had jumped bail when he was granted administrative bail by the Commission in 2016.

He disclosed that the Commission had to track Okupe down to his country home in Lagos  last year.

Granting the defendant’s application for bail, Justice I.L Ojukwu held that the court possessed the discretion in granting bail which must be exercised judicially and judiciously.

The Judge thereafter ordered the suspect to produce one surety in like sum. Ojukwu said the surety must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.

He also ordered that Okupe, who had pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him, must deposit his international passports with the court’s registrar.

Justice Ojukwu then adjourned the case to February 27, 28 and March 6 for continuation of trial.