A civil servant, Feshitan Ademola, was arraigned in a Dutse Magistrates’ Court in Abuja on Thursday for the disappearance of a suspect released on bail.

The ‌police charged Mr Ademola, 58, with aiding and abetting and screening an offender.

The defendant, who resides in Lugbe, Abuja, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution counsel, Babajide Olanipekun, told the court that on February 11, Mr Ademola voluntarily went to the Area Police Command Headquarters in Kubwa, Abuja, and stood as surety for the suspect.

He said the police released Irene Frank, of Dawaki, Abuja, on bail to Mr Ademola. At the same time, she was being investigated for alleged criminal breach of trust, cheating and issuing a dud cheque.

Mr Olanipekun said the alleged offence involved N20 million.

He alleged that Ms Frank had already confessed to the offence when Mr Ademola entered into a bond to produce her whenever the police required.

The prosecutor said Mr Ademola agreed to forfeit N20 million to the federal government if he failed to produce Ms Frank as required.

He said all efforts to reach Ms Frank had been unsuccessful.

Mr Olanipekun said the offence contravened Sections 85 and 167 of the Penal Code Law.

The senior magistrate, Evelyn Dara, admitted Mr Ademola to bail of N10 million and one surety in like sum.

The magistrate ordered that the surety must have a reliable means of identification and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

The court adjourned the matter until September 22 for hearing.

(NAN)