PANEL GRANTS BAIL TO EX CHIEF OF STAFF TO GOV IKPEAZU

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

The Abia State Judicial Panel of inquiry into the recovery of government property and funds sitting in Umuahia, has granted bail to a former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Governor of the state, Professor Anthony Agbazuere.

He was granted bail in the sum of five hundred thousand naira and one surety in like sum.

Prof. Agbazuere, former Chief of Staff under the administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who was invited by the panel to clarify issues on government vehicles in his possession, was earlier issued a bench warrant by the panel on January 10th this year.

Granting the bail, the head of the panel, Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe (Rtd), said the decision of the panel on the matter that the surety to be produced by Dr Agbazuere was to swear an affidavit of means and must be a Permanent Secretary of Grade Level 17 or a serving Member in the State House of Assembly from the Constituency of the witness.

The panel adjourned hearing on the matter till 2nd February 2024.

Justice Duruoha – Igwe who also entertained hearing on subpoena to a former Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Don Ubani vacated the bench warrant issued to him.

This followed consideration from application of the counsel to the panel and responses of the counsel representing the witness.

Justice Duruoha – Igwe expressed the need for a more in-depth investigation into whether there was an Executive Council decision by the past administration donating the Toyota Fortuna Jeep to him, as claimed.

The panel noted that despite Mr. Ubani’s testimony, the lack of concrete evidence prompted the call for additional witnesses to shed light on the crucial matter.

The panel also acknowledged the recovery of a Toyota Hummer bus from the immediate past provost of the Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, Dr. Philip Ntoh and returned same to the college.

Meanwhile, the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Onyii Wamah, also appeared before the panel on account of a Toyota Prado Jeep said to have been bequeathed him by the immediate past administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU