Former governor of Adamawa gets a bail on health grounds

Bala NgilariJustice Nathan Musa of Yola High Court granted bail to Mr Bala Ngilari, former Adamawa Governor after an appeal was filed against his recent conviction on health grounds.A bail sum to the tune of N100 million was granted Ngilari with two sureties, who must release Certificates of Occupancy of landed property owned in Yola.Justice Musa said the former governor would enjoy his bail before the determination of his Appeal suit.According to the News Agency of Nigeria, it was recalled that Justice Musa sentenced Ngilari to five years in prison, with no option of fine, for an abuse of the Public Procurement Act in the award of contract for the purchase of 25 vehicles.The said vehicles were purchased at the cost of N167 million for the state commissioners.It was declared in the judgment by Justice Musa that due process was not followed in the transaction.An appeal was filed by Ngilari at the same court that convicted him and sought bail pending the determination of his appeal.Justice Musa, with due consideration of arguments of counsel to Ngilari, Mr Sam Olugunorisa (SAN) and that of EFCC, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, he granted Ngilari’s plea in the motion for bail pending Appeal.The NAN also reported that the bail plea was aided by a medical report on Ngilari’s health condition from Yola Prison. This showed that the former governor had been under intensive medical care.The report signed by Mr John Bukar, a Deputy Comptroller in charge of Health confirmed the medical state of Ngilari who is suffering from diabetes, hypertension and insomnia.The report also had it that Ngilari had been referred to Canada Specialist Hospital in Dubai for further evaluation and management of his abnormal blood pressure that is fluctuating between 180/110 MMHG to 190/120 MMHG.