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In Abuja, Nigeria, the bail bond service forms an integral part of the criminal justice system. These services are typically offered by legal practitioners or bail bondsmen who provide funds to secure the temporary freedom of an accused person waiting for trial. Bail bonds are guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution under the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the specific application and nuances of this law may vary and may sometimes be complex which warrants the need for a legal expert for proper guidance.
Legal representation becomes crucial particularly if:
In accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and the Nigerian Constitution, every person is entitled to bail on reasonable terms and conditions, except in cases of capital offences where the defendant is not granted bail due to the gravity of the crime. A bail bond service usually charges a fee (often 10% of the total bail amount). Missed court appearances can result in additional penalties, including the full payment of the bail amount, capture by a bail bondsman, or additional criminal charges.
Failure to appear in court at the designated time after bailing may lead to the forfeiture of the bail. The bondsman can enforce the bail condition by locating, arresting, and returning the defendant to custody.
The bail amount can either be increased or decreased based on a formal request by either the defendant or the prosecution made to the court. However, it is the court’s discretion to grant or refuse such an application.
Anyone over the age of 18 and is not a party to the case in question can post bail. This could be a family member, friend, or a professional bail bondsman.
The two common types of bail bond are Cash bail (a certain amount of money paid directly to the court) and Surety bond (where a surety guarantees to the court that the defendant will appear for trial).
Once a case is concluded, irrespective of the outcome, bail should be refunded to the surety, provided the defendant did not breach any of the bail conditions throughout the trial period.
You can visit the websites of reputable law firms in Abuja who specialise in bail bond services for more information. Some agencies of the Nigerian government such as the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force also provide information relevant to bails and bonds. Websites offering legal advice, such as LawPàdí, may also have specific resources related to bail bond service and the criminal justice system in Nigeria. Additionally, use platforms like Nigeria Law School and Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse for information about legal resources and services.
If you need legal assistance regarding bail bond service, it's highly advisable to seek professional advice. Contact a lawyer experienced in bail bonds to discuss your situation and options. You can usually find these lawyers through local listings, referrals, or legal aid services. Provide the lawyer with all relevant details about the case to help them give you the best advice possible.
