Court Grants Ex-Gov.Ayade’s aide, Ofuka, bail 

By Ene Ene Calabar 

A High Court sitting in Calabar, in the Calabar judicial division has granted the bail application to the former aide to the immediate past governor of Cross River, on Cocoa Development and Control, Ntufam Oscar Ofuka, who has been in police custody since July 8,2024.

The former SA on Cocoa Development in Cross River State was  challenging his fundamental human right and fair hearing in an alleged murder case slammed on him by the authority of the cross river state government and the Police.

 The embattled former special Adviser to immediate past governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade was arrested by the authority of the state government and the police and detained  for allegation of murder.

 The presiding judge, Justice Ukpai Ibitham, in suit No H/84F/24 ruled in a matter of application brought by Ntufam Oscar Ofuka, for enforcement of his fundamental rights to life, fair hearing and freedom of movement.

The matter is between Ofuka as (applicant), and secretary to Cross River State Government SSG, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, major. Gen. Okoi Obono, and seven others, as (respondents).

The court ruled that Ofuka should be granted bail once he meets with bail application of  N50m and reliable surty who owns landed property.

Admitting the applicant  Ofuka, through his counsel, Ntufam MBA Ukweni (SAN) who was represented in court by Anthonia Enang, expressed happiness over Ofuka ‘s bail which the court said is pending  the determination of the substantive application or the conclusion of investigation by the force headquarters,Abuja.

In a motion to admit the applicant to bail brought in pursuant to order IV Rules 3&4 of fundamental enforcement (Civil Procedure) rule,2009, as well as section 36(6) (B) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The court has however restrained the respondents the Nigeria police, Secretary to State Government SSG, State Security Adviser and other seven respondents from taking further steps in connection with the  matter or staying all actions pending the determination of the substantive application or the conclusion of investigation by the force headquarters Abuja.

Recall that Ofuka who had been in coma fell down at the customary court and hit his head on the floor of the court before he was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.