Usman was arraigned by the police on behalf of the Federal Government. on a five-count charge before Justice Nkeonye Maha of a Federal High Court, Abuja
He was alleged to have committed the offence with Abdulfatai Usman, now at large, between February 14, 2022, and February 15, 2022.
They were alleged to have intentionally communicated through a network computer system with phone number: +447529723948 with Mrs Oloyede, “a communication which is grossly offensive, indecent, criminal intimidation for the purpose of causing inconvenience or needless anxiety” to her.
They were alleged to have committed the offence contrary to Section 24(1)(a) & 1(b) of the Cybercrime Act 2015. Usman is the sole defendant in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/139/2023 dated March 29 but filed March 30.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts after the charge was read to him.
Police prosecutor, Eristo Asaph, made an application for a trial date after the defendant took the plea. But Moses Balogun, who appeared for Usman, applied for bail.
“Having pleaded not guilty, we shall be applying for bail my lord,” he said.
The lawyer informed that a bail application dated and filed on June 7 had already been served on the prosecution on the same day.
He said the motion on notice was brought pursuant to Sections 35 and 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution and in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
He told the court that during the investigation of the matter and while Usman was admitted to an administrative bail, he complied with the terms of the bail. Balogun, who said Usman was a deputy director, prayed the court to grant him bail on liberal terms or self-recognition pending the hearing and determination of the case. Asaph did not oppose the application.
Justice Maha, in a ruling, admitted Usman to bail in the sum of N2 million with a surety who must be a civil servant on level 14 and must own a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.
