A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Senator Benson Konbowei at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The decision was made by Justice Christopher Oba in a case concerning the alleged forgery of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate by the lawmaker representing Bayelsa Central in the National Assembly.
Senator Konbowei was arraigned before the court on March 26 and pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against him. Despite his plea, the court granted him bail in the sum of N50 million but ruled that he should be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The charge, marked CR/028/2023, accuses Senator Konbowei of fraudulently forging a document titled ‘Certificate of Exemption,’ bearing number 000256454 and dated July 4, 2008. The Inspector General of Police alleged that the Senator contravened the provisions of Sections 366, 156, and 158 of the Penal Code Act CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and was liable to punishment under Section 364 of the same Act.
During his arraignment, Senator Konbowei maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
While allowing the Senator to return home, the court scheduled the hearing of his bail application for Thursday, March 28, 2024. Subsequently, after considering the arguments presented by counsels, the court granted bail to the Senator with two sureties in like sum.
Justice Oba emphasized that bail is at the discretion of the court, stating, “The law is settled that bail is the discretion of the court. Taking a look at the matter, it is not a capital offence.”
The judge stipulated that the sureties must possess landed properties with Certificates of Occupancy in the Federal Capital Territory. Despite being granted bail, Justice Oba ordered that Senator Konbowei be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.
The case has been adjourned till June 24, 25, and 27 for further hearing, signaling the continuation of legal proceedings regarding the alleged NYSC certificate forgery.
