The Federal Government (FG), has opposed the application brought before a Lagos Federal High Court by impeached Governor Diepreye Alami-eyeseigha of Bayelsa State, insisting that his release would further streghten the Niger Delta militant groups.
Besides, the government yesterday dismissed reports of the accused’s deteriorating health condition, saying medical report from the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan,Oyo state revealed that he is in a stable condition.
In a counter affidavit to his motion for bail dated July 3, the Federal Government alleged that the former Governor is the major sponsor of the Niger Delta militant group and has been having regular contact with them from his hospital bed through telephone conversation.
The government subsequently asked the court to refuse his bail application, as well as his request to be flown abroad for medical attention as plans have been concluded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take him to the Ghana Institute of Cardiology in Korle Bu, Accra, for coronary artery angiograghy.
The government in the affidavit deposed to by Donatus Ugwu, the Investigating Police Officer attached to the EFCC, maintained that the former Governor has the propensity of jumping bail.
The government reminded the court that the accused, when he was standing trial last year in a London court on account of money laundering offences was admitted to bail on certain conditions, but that he jumped bail and returned to the country on November 21, last year.
The deponent stated that an international warrant of his arrest was consequently issued sequel to his escape.
On the accused’s condition of health, the government said that he was recently taken to UCH for medical attention.
While dismissing reports that the former governor’s life is in danger due to his unattended ill-health, the applicant said he was not rushed to the hospital, but was taken to Barnes hospital in compliance with the advice of Kamoras Specialist Hospital.
The affidavit also stated that the National Hospital Abuja had confirmed in a report that the accused’s ill-health had been existing before his arraignment last December, but assured that the commission is prepared to take him to any hospital within and outside the country as may be suggested by the medical experts who are currently attending to him.
“The respondent (FG) has reached a diplomatic understanding with the Ghana Government towards allowing the (applicant) accused to be accompanied by security operatives” the affidavit stated, while noting that the EFCC which was responsible for the payment of his medical bills at both UCH and National Hospital Abuja, is still awaiting the medical bill so as to make arrangement for payment.
Alamieyeseigha and seven companies believed to be owned by him were last December arraigned before the court, on a 40 – count charge of money laundering, illegal acquisition of property and false assets declaration.
His failing health has since stalled his trial which was billed to commence last January as he has since then been on admission in a Lagos hospital.
Following his reported worsening health condition, his counsel Professor Alfred Kasunmu, SAN, last week applied that he be granted bail pending trial in order for him to attend to his health.
However, the application for his bail which came up for hearing yesterday could not be heard as his counsel asked for a short adjournment to enable him respond to the counter affidavit by the FG.
Consequently, trial Judge, Justice Mohammed Shuaibu adjourned the matter till July 21 for hearing in the motion for bail.
Jul152006