Nigeria's former defence minister, Haliru Bello-Mohammad and his son, Abba have been charged with money laundering and criminal breach of trust over 1.5 million U.S Dollars intended for massive purchase of arms and ammunition.
The duo pleaded not guilty at Abuja's high court, and the case was adjourned until Thursday for a bail hearing.
After forty one days in EFCC custody, Abba, son of the former National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Halliru Bello- Mohammed, was arraigned on Tuesday alongside his ailing father.
The father, a former minister of defence appeared at the court in a wheel chair after being transported to the venue in an in an ambulance
When the charges were read to their hearing, the two men pleaded not guilty; prompting their counsels to file and argue separate applications for their bail.
In their arguments, the counsels said the offence for which the accused persons were being charged is bailable and so, urged the court to grant them bail on very liberal terms.
While the defence counsels assured the court that the accused won't jump bail, prosecuting counsel, Aliyu Yusuf rose against the application; citing the nature of the gravity of the offence and the character of evidence in the matter.
The prosecution further argued that the applicants didn't convince the court enough that the ailment being suffered cannot be treated while in prison custody.
The prosecution rather urged the court to ensure accelerated hearing rather than granting the accused bail.
In a short ruling, the court fixed Thursday for judgment on the bail applications.
The Judge, Ahmed Mohammad further ruled that Abba be remanded in Kuje prison while the father is put under the watch of the Inspector General of Police.
Both men are expected back in court on Thursday.
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