Bayelsa Senator remanded in prison custody over alleged forged NYSC Exemption Certificate

Senator Benson Konbowei representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, was on Friday remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Court sitting in Apo, Abuja over alleged NYSC Exemption Certificate forgery.

In the suit marked CR/028/2023 brought before the Court by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Konbowei was accused of forging his NYSC exemption Certificate dated 4th July, 2008.

The IGP who was represented by the Counsel in the criminal case, Reuben Egwba told the Court that Senator Benson Konbowei acted contrary to the provisions of Sections 366,156 and 158 of the Penal Code Act CAP 532 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is liable to punishment under section 364.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday when he was first arraigned, Konbowei pleaded not guilty to the charge before the Justice Christopher Oba-led FCT High Court on before the case was adjourned till Thursday, when his application for bail was slated for hearing.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, the prosecution lawyer, Egwaba opposed his bail application, citing interference

“Egwaba said: “My Lord, the prosecutor is concerned that the Senator would interfere with his trial if granted bail.

“When the charge was filed, the defendant took several steps to interfere with the matter.”

“He also wrote a lot of petitions against me to truncate the matter. We urge my Lord to refuse the application,” the prosecutor said.

Gordy Uche, the defendant’s lawyer, insisted on bail of his client before His Lordship, citing his fundamental human rights, and adding that the Senator will not jump bail.

In his ruling, Justice Oba granted the Senator N50 million bail with two sureties in like sum who have landed properties within the Federal Capital Territory.

The lawmaker could not raise the N50 million immediately with other conditions attached to his bail and the Judge ordered that he should be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, pending when his bail conditions were met and adjourned the matter till June 24 and 25 for further hearing.