Court rejects convicted former Taraba governor’s bail appeal

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has dismissed an application for bail filed by convicted Taraba former governor Jolly Nyame.

Justice Adebukola Banjoko had on May 30 sentenced Nyame to 14 years in prison without an option of fine. He was arraigned a four-count-charge of receiving gratification, obtaining public funds without due consideration, criminal breach of trust and gratification.

The convicted former governor, whose appeal against his conviction is pending, is seeking to be released from prison on medical grounds.

Nyame through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo, on June 27, 2018 applied for bail with medical reports to the Court and a request letter to the prison officials.

He claimed his client was hypertensive and diabetic, and pending the determination of the appeal against his conviction, needed to have access to his “traditional herbal medicine”.

However, Justice Banjoko declined the application, noting that “the medical reports presented to the court were conflicting and the dates on them are not corresponding with each other”.

“If indeed, he needs any medical attention he should apply to the Ministry of Interior because the Prison authorities are under the ministry,” the judge said.