Nasarawa lawmaker accused of assaulting attorney general released on bail

Mr. Orogu was initially remanded without bail

The member representing Keana constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Francis Orogu, PDP, arrested on assault charges against the state attorney general, was granted bail on Monday, after spending two hours in prison custody.

Mr. Orogu, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, along with the Assembly's staff officer, Danladi Gyabo, was accused of assaulting the state attorney general, Innocent Lagi, after the latter jumped over the gates of the State House of Assembly to serve a process on its members.

Messrs Orogu and Gyabo were arraigned at an Upper Area Court sitting in Lafia, on a three-count charge of assault, criminal conspiracy, and obstruction of officers on lawful duty. The presiding judge, Sham Shama, had remanded both suspects to jail and adjourned to April 2 for ruling on their bail application.

The duo's bail was, however, secured after their counsel, Ocha Ulegede, made a formal complaint to the state Chief Judge, Dikko Mohammed.

Mr. Ulegede argued that the presiding judge, had gone contrary to section 340 Sub Section 1 of the criminal procedure code (CPC) which stipulated that anybody standing trial for an offence liable to not more than three years imprisonment should be granted bail.

Mr. Ulegede, who spoke to journalists after his clients were released on bail, threatened to petition the National Judicial Council, NJC, over the conduct of the presiding judge and the State Attorney General.
He alleged that the presiding judge was a blood brother to the Attorney General and was playing to Mr. Lagi's script.

Mr. Ulegede said according to the law, the charges against his clients were bailable and that the presiding judge had no reason but to grant them bail.

Mr. Orogu, speaking at the court premises, described the state government as unserious and saboteurs. He said that the Attorney General only wanted to embarrass him. He said it was a shameful thing for an officer of the law to jump over a fence.

Nasarawa lawmaker accused of assaulting attorney general released on bail.