Police have arraigned Precious Chikwendu, the estranged wife of Femi Fani-Kayode, ex-aviation minister, before the federal high court in Abuja for alleged cybercrime.
The ex-beauty queen was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on cybercrime on Thursday.
The mother of four, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After her plea, Victor Okoye, the prosecution counsel, prayed the court to remand Chikwendu at the Kuje correctional facility pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Okoye also asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of the trial.
But reacting, Alex Ejesieme, Chikwendu’s lawyer, kicked against the request by the prosecution counsel.
Ejesieme said he had already filed an application for Chikwendu’s bail, adding that his team had also served the prosecution.
The lawyer claimed the prosecution served him the counter affidavit on Wednesday to which he responded with a further affidavit and a reply on points of law on Thursday morning.
“I am surprised that counsel is making this funny application,” Ejesieme said.
He also said the delay was a calculated attempt by the prosecution to have Chikwendu remanded in prison.
Ejesieme further argued that the prosecution’s request was unnecessary since his client did not violate the terms of the administrative bail granted her by the police.
“That is why I am saying it is funny since the defendant has been on administrative bail,” he added.
Responding, Okoye faulted the defence counsel’s claim. The lawyer said he filed a counter affidavit early enough.
He also argued that Chikwendu had conducted herself in a way that undermined criminal justice act.
Okoye alleged that the defendant had made several publications suggesting that the criminal administration act even when the charge was already in court.
Obiora Egwuatu, the judge, admitted Chikwendu to bail based on terms earlier given by the police, and adjourned the case till June 7 for commencement of trial.
Chikwendu’s marriage to the politician hit the rock in 2020 over allegations bordering on domestic violence and infidelity.
The pair have since been in a heated tussle for the custody of their four children — Aragorn, Ragnar, Aiden, and Liam.
