Justice Ibrahim Watila of the Federal High court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday ruled that a paramount ruler in the domain of a former Special Advicer to Dan Abia, erstwhile managing director of Niger Delta Commission, NDDC, George Turnah, should stand as a surety, as part of his bail conditions.


The judge admitted Turnah to bail in the sum of N300million, and two sureties in like sum. Aside the paramount ruler, whose office should be recognised by the Government of the State and his letter of authority verified and deposited in the court, the other surety should be an owner of a landed property and the original Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the property should be deposited with the Registry of the court.

Also, Turnah's international passport or travel document should be deposited with the registry of the court and "the first defendant shall not travel outside Nigeria without leave of the court." All the sureties shall sign affidavit of means and bail bond and the first defendant shall be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail.

Turnah and his 7 companies : El Godmas Global Servises Limited; Turnoil and Gas Nigeria Limited; Kolo Creek Petroleum Development Limited ; Celtic Pride Consult and Events; Yenagoa Mall, Adaka Boro Marine Services Limited and Sugarland Intergrated farms Nigeria Limited) were arraigned on a 12-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretense, money laundering and abuse of office to the tune of N3, 094,268, 235. 69 (Three Billion, ninety four Million, Two Hundred and Sixty Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty Five Naira, Sixty Nine Kobo).


Justice Watila adjourned the matter to June 30, 2017 for commencement of trial.