On Thursday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned Bola Audu, a former President of the ASCSN, before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The charges against Audu include five counts related to an alleged N69 million embezzlement meant for the purchase of a sport utility vehicle for the office of the ASCSN President and the diversion of N3 million for the union’s election.

Audu, who has been expelled from ASCSN due to anti-union activities, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His counsel, Babatunde Adewusi, applied for bail on his behalf. However, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, an Assistant Chief Legal Officer at the ICPC, opposed the bail application and requested a trial date, emphasizing the importance of Audu’s attendance for the proceedings.

Taking into account the presumption of innocence and the bailable nature of the alleged offenses, Justice Halilu granted Audu bail. The conditions of bail require Audu to produce two sureties who must be directors in the federal civil service. These directors must provide their letters of employment and promotion to the directorship rank in the civil service. Failure to meet the bail conditions would result in Audu’s remand at Kuje Prison in Abuja.

The trial is scheduled to commence on 6 May. Justice Halilu stressed that the prosecution must present credible evidence to establish Audu’s guilt. As the legal process unfolds, Audu has the opportunity to defend himself against the charges brought by the ICPC.