How N27m disappered from Justice Ngwuta's bath - Philips

Charles Adeogun Philips told an Abuja Federal High Court that N27m in cash was found at the residence of a Supreme Court Justice, Sylvester Ngwuta, was ordered to be removed by the embattled Judge himself.

Philips made the claim while arguing against the bail application by Ngwuta’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, SAN.

Earlier, the apex court justice had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.

Alleging that the apex court judge gave the order for the money to be removed on October 9, the Federal Government’s lawyer informed the court that Ngwuta attempted to conceal evidence.

According to Daily Post reports, Philips claimed that Ngwuta first instructed a witness to “go and get rid of those cars,” adding that the second instruction was “go to my bathroom you will find two bags.

"The bags contained 27m in cash”, and that “they were moved from the location.

"There are sufficient grounds that the defendant will interfere with potential prosecution witnesses and with evidence.

"We object to bail being granted because we are of the opinion that the defendant may conceal or destroy evidence."

The Federal Government’s counsel urged the court not to grant the accused judge bail because he possessed multiple identities, and could jump bail because he once left the country with false identification.

Agabi, however, prayed the court to grant his client bail in liberal terms and self recognition, stressing that the offence Ngwuta was standing trial for was bailable.

Justice John Tsoho after listening to the argument of both lawyers adjourned the matter for an hour to deliver a ruling.

The court on Monday granted bail to Justice Sylvester Nguta, with a bond of N100 million.

Ngwuta is among seven judges arrested by operatives of the State Security Service on October 8, after a midnight raid on their residences by the SSS.

After pleading not guilty to the 15-count charge, the judge’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, asked the court to admit his client on bail.

The Department of State Services (DSS), had on Saturday, October 8, arrested Ngwuta alongside some judges over alleged corrupt practices.