4th June, 2014
Justice Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court in Ibadan on Tuesday granted bail to Jhoun Jun, a Chinese precious stone dealer, who allegedly defrauded some Nigerians of N50.5 million.
In his ruling, the judge held that bail was the constitutional right of everybody as long as the offence was bailable.
“As far as I am concerned, if the accused wanted to run away since 2011, she would have done so.
“I grant her bail in the sum of N2 million and two reliable sureties in like sum.
“One of the two sureties must possess an international account and the international passport of the accused must also be deposited with the court,” he said.
The prosecutor, DSP Funke Fawole, had earlier filed an application praying the court not to grant the accused bail.
The prosecutor had argued that the accused may jump bail and flee to China.
The accused was arraigned on 20 May on a 17-count charge which included conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and stealing of precious stones.
Fawole said that the accused committed the crime in 2011 in Ibadan.
The prosecutor alleged that the accused had bought N50.5 million worth of precious stones from some Nigerian dealers and refused to pay.
She listed the complainants as Awokson Shem, Abdulahi Mayanchi, Abdulrahaman Mohammed, Ado Black, Ibrahim Dangbombe, Abba Inuwa and John Mamshep.
Fawole told the court that the offences were contrary and punishable under sections 8 (a) 1 (1) (a), 383 and 1 (1) (b)Act Cap. A 6 Vol. 1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Emmanuel adjourned the case till 3 July for definite trial.