Former Provincial Commissioner Davis Chelogoi was on Thursday detained for four days pending a ruling on whether he will be released on bail or not in a sh 1.35 billion land fraud case.
The former PC presented himself in court and denied six counts relating to defrauding businessmen Ashok Rupshi Shah and Hitenkumar Amritlal Raja a parcel of land measuring 7.390 hectares valued at sh 1.35 billion situated in Lower Kabete Road.
He was also accused of forging a letter of allotment dated 31st January 1995 and a certificate of tittle.
He had previously failed to honour court summons despite four previous warrants of arrest being issued against him. He had been directed to appear in court on Thursday morning for plea-taking but failed to show up.
His lawyer Tom Ojienda had asked the court for lenient bond terms saying Chelogoi was not a flight risk and would abide by the court directions.
“From the time the charges were preferred against him, he has not been in good shape, the first time he had travelled to Uganda without knowledge of the said charges….. He is not a small boy, he is a man and understands court rules, we will abide by the court directions and proceed with the hearing, no prejudice will be suffered if he is released on bail,” Ojienda told the court.
The state opposed the bond application as did lawyers representing the complainant Ashok Shah who claims his land was forcefully taken away
“Should the court grant him bail then it should be strict bond terms without the option of cash bail and also be directed to deposit his passport,” argued the prosecution.
Lawyer for complainant opposed the PC being released on bail arguing that he had been infringing on the rights of the victim.
Principle magistrate Dolphin Alego said that she will deliver a ruling on Monday next week.