In a ruling delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, the court held that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify denying the defendant bail. While acknowledging that the prosecution opposed the application, the judge ruled that there was no concrete indication that Okorie would abscond if released.
Justice Nwite emphasized that the grant of bail lies within the discretion of the court and must be exercised judiciously in the interest of justice. On that basis, he approved the bail application filed by Okorie’s counsel, Earnest Nwoye.
The court stipulated that the actress must provide one surety in like sum of N5 million. The surety, the judge ruled, must be a civil servant not below level 13 and is required to depose to an affidavit of means. In addition, the surety must present an official letter of appointment and evidence of their most recent promotion in service.
Further conditions attached to the bail include the submission of two passport photographs each by Okorie and her surety to the court registrar. The court also ordered that the surety’s residential address be verified before bail can be perfected.
Pending the fulfillment of these conditions, Justice Nwite ordered that the actress be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre. The matter was subsequently adjourned until March 23 for the commencement of trial.
Angela Okorie is facing charges bordering on alleged cyberbullying of Mercy Johnson-Okojie, an accusation that has drawn public attention given the prominence of both actresses in the Nigerian film industry.