Justice A. B. Mohammed of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Jabi, Abuja, on Thursday revoked the bail earlier granted one Bala Tangalu, who is facing trial on a 2-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N2.5million.
Tangalu, a self-styled native doctor, was arraigned on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission following a petition by one Dozie Ugonna, who alleged that he was defrauded over N2.5million by the accused and his cohorts.
According to the petitioner, the money was meant for the purchase of materials to neutralize some harmful charms purportedly contained in a carton filled with the currency notes of the United States dollars.
The offence is contrary to Section 8 (a) and punishable under Section 8 (C) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail by the court in the sum of N2million with two sureties in like sum. But, he refused to show up in court for his trial.
Following his refusal to attend court for trial, counsel to EFCC, Elizabeth Alabi, at the sitting on Thursday, made two applications urging the court to revoke the bail of the defendant and order his arrest and continue his trial in absentia pursuant to Section 352 (4) of the ACJA.
Justice Mohammed granted the application on the issuance of bench warrant and dismissed that of trial in absentia on the grounds that “It is the first adjournment”.
Thereafter, the case was adjourned to May 3, 2017, for trial.
