Alleged murder: Court grants Ayade’s ex-aide, Ofuka, bail

The High Court sitting in Calabar has granted bail to Ntufam Dr. Oscar Ofuka, a former aide to the immediate past governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade. Ofuka facing allegations of murder.

In case No. HC/84F/24, Justice Ukpai Ibitham heard Ofuka’s application for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to life, fair hearing, and freedom of movement.

The matter involves Ofuka (applicant) against Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, the Secretary to the Cross River State Government (SSG), Major Gen. Okoi Obono, and seven other respondents.

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The court granted bail to Ofuka, conditional upon meeting a bail requirement of N50 million and providing a reliable surety with landed property.

Ofuka’s counsel, Ntufam MBA Ukweni (SAN), represented by Barr. Anthonia Enang, expressed satisfaction with the bail decision, which remains in effect pending the determination of the substantive application or the completion of the investigation by Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The bail motion was brought under Order IV Rules 3 & 4 of the Fundamental Rights (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009, and Section 36(6)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The court has also restrained the respondents, including the Nigeria Police, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the State Security Adviser, and the other seven respondents, from taking further action related to the case until the substantive application or the investigation by Force Headquarters in Abuja is concluded.

Recall that Ofuka, who had been in a coma, collapsed at the customary court and struck his head on the floor before being rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE