The Financial Court 2 Division of the Accra High Court presided over by Justice Afia Serwa Asare Botwe has admitted Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga, to a self recognisance bail of GHS100,000 after pleading not guilty to charges of abuse of public office among other offenses brought against him by the Special Prosecutor, Mr Martin Amidu.

The Court also admitted the remaining six accused persons including the Municipal Chief Executive for Bawku, Hajia Hawa Ninche to a bail of GHS50,000 with two sureties.

The court further directed the accused to leave their passports with the court registry.

Earlier in the day, the court dismissed an application filed by Mr Ayariga, in which he challenged the capacity of the Special Prosecutor to prosecute him on tax evasion charges.

The court directed that the plea of the seven accused persons including Mr Ayariga be taken.

Mr Amidu’s suit against Mr Ayariga was filed a few weeks ago. Five charges have been leveled against the lawmaker.

Mr Amidu alleged that Mr Ayariga abused the privileges he enjoyed as an MP by conniving with a private company to secure a loan, import three vehicles from Dubai at cheap prices and failed to pay duties on them under the guise that they were for official duty.