Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has faulted the bail conditions granted to businessman Tunde Ayeni by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, describing them as excessive and capable of undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
Frank, in a statement issued on Thursday, alleged that the terms imposed by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court, Apo, were unusual and suggested possible political interference in the matter.
He specifically questioned the requirement for a surety to provide a bank guarantee of N15bn, being the amount involved in the charge, with an additional undertaking that the sum would be forfeited to the Federal Government should the defendant abscond.
According to him, such conditions were rarely imposed in bail applications involving bailable offences and appeared inconsistent with established judicial practice.
“It is disturbing to learn of such stringent conditions, which in my view are highly unusual and capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute,” Frank said.
Frank, who also serves as Ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to East Africa and the Middle East, alleged that the Presidency was exerting influence over the proceedings, a claim he said raised concerns about fairness in the justice system.
He argued that several politically exposed persons facing corruption-related charges involving large sums had previously been granted bail under less stringent conditions, citing former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Yahaya Bello as examples.
The activist warned that perceived interference in judicial processes could weaken public trust in the courts and undermine the independence of the judiciary.
He urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently review the circumstances surrounding the bail ruling, insisting that judicial integrity must be protected at all times.
“The criminal justice system must not equate allegations with guilt. Courts are constitutionally bound to protect liberty and ensure fairness until guilt is proven,” he stated.
Frank also called on the international community to monitor developments in the case, warning that any perception of compromised rule of law could negatively affect Nigeria’s global image and investment climate.
He maintained that the charges against Ayeni were bailable under the law, stressing that the defendant had expressed willingness to stand trial and should be allowed adequate opportunity to prepare his defence while on bail.
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