The High Court sitting in Calabar has granted bail to Ntufam Dr. Oscar Ofuka, a former aide to the immediate past governor of Cross River State, who has been held in police custody since July 8, 2024. Ofuka, who served as the Special Adviser on Cocoa Development and Control under former Governor Prof. Ben Ayade, was arrested on charges of alleged murder.
In suit No. HC/84F/24, presided over by Justice Ukpai Ibitham, Ofuka sought enforcement of his fundamental rights to life, fair hearing, and freedom of movement. The case lists Ofuka as the applicant, with the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Major Gen. Okoi Obono, and seven others as respondents.
The court ruled that Ofuka should be granted bail upon meeting the conditions, which include a N50 million bond and a reliable surety with landed property. This decision was welcomed by Ofuka’s legal team, led by Ntufam Mba Ukweni (SAN), and represented in court by Barr. Anthonia Enang, who expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling.
Ofuka’s bail is granted pending the determination of the substantive application or the conclusion of the ongoing investigation by the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The court’s decision aligns with a motion ex parte filed to admit the applicant to bail, pursuant to Order IV, Rules 3 & 4 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, as well as Section 36(6)(B) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Furthermore, the court has issued an order restraining the respondentsโincluding the Nigeria Police, the Secretary to the State Government, and the State Security Adviserโfrom taking any further action in connection with the matter until the substantive application is determined or the investigation by the Force Headquarters is concluded.
The case has drawn significant attention, particularly following an incident where Ofuka collapsed in court and sustained a head injury. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital for medical treatment, further complicating the proceedings.
As the legal process continues, all eyes remain on the unfolding developments in this high-profile case.
