The trial of six suspects accused of stealing over Sh96 million from a city bank has been stopped.This follows the decision by the accused to pay back Sh78 million and clear the balance in three months.“If the suspects have returned this amount then it’s quite in order they be given time to pay the balance,” High Court judge Mohammed Warsame ruled.

He suspended the trial of Mr Don Bosco Gichana and five others before Nairobi chief magistrate Gilbert Mutembei, saying it was “a good gesture by the suspects to return the money.”The money was transferred from Fina Bank to an account of Malch Construction Ltd whose director was Mr Gichana. Fina Bank said it had received Sh78million.

“The suspects have agreed to return the balance of Sh18.6 million within 90 days,” lawyers David Ogatta and Ishmael Nyaribo told the judge on Thursday.The court heard that one of the accused, Ms Gladys Moraa Gichana, was not involved the the scam. “The Moraa who was involved in the bank theft is not Gladys Moraa Gichana who is before court,” the defence lawyer said.

Those charged with Mr Gichana are Mr Graham Sagwe (a former Fina Bank manager), Mr Simiyu Kuloba, a lawyer, Mr Obadia Gwaro Nyambane, Ms Gladys Moraa Gichana and Mr Robert Onkwami.Mr Kuloba is accused of stealing Sh10 million on November 15, Mr Gichana Sh8 million and Mr Onkwami Sh9 million. Mr Simiyu is out on a cash bail of Sh300,000 and the rest Sh1 million.

The court heard he had returned all the money he had received. The case will be mentioned on April 20, 2011 to confirm whether the balance of Sh18.6 million has been paid.