Political activist and former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Timi Frank, has raised concerns over the bail conditions granted to businessman Tunde Ayeni by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. Frank described the conditions as unusually stringent and capable of eroding public confidence in the judiciary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 28, Frank criticized the bail terms imposed by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court sitting in Apo. He noted that one of the conditions required a surety to provide a bank guarantee of N15 billion, the amount involved in the charge, along with an undertaking that the sum would be forfeited to the Federal Government if the defendant absconded.
Frank argued that such conditions are uncommon for bailable offences and compared them to bail terms granted to other high-profile defendants facing corruption-related charges. He said, "It is surprising to hear of such a condition, as it appears highly unusual and capable of bringing shame to our judicial process."
Timi Frank Calls for Judicial Transparency
Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, pointed out that several former public office holders facing corruption allegations involving large sums had previously secured bail on less stringent terms. He cited former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Yahaya Bello as examples of defendants who received more favourable bail conditions despite the scale of allegations against them.
The activist expressed concern over what he described as a growing public perception that political considerations could influence the justice system. He warned against actions that might undermine confidence in the judiciary and urged the National Judicial Council to review the circumstances surrounding the bail conditions to safeguard public trust in the judicial process.
Timi Frank Urges NJC Review
Frank stated, "The Nigerian criminal justice system must resist the temptation to equate allegations with guilt. Courts are constitutionally obligated to remain the final guardians of liberty, not silent collaborators in pre-conviction punishment." He also warned that concerns over the rule of law could affect investor confidence in Nigeria.
Frank maintained that the offences against Ayeni are bailable and noted that Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution presumes every defendant innocent until proven guilty. According to him, Ayeni had indicated readiness to face trial and should therefore be given an adequate opportunity to prepare his defence while on bail.
Why EFCC Arrested Tunde Ayeni
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested businessman and former chairman of the now-defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over allegations of large-scale financial misconduct involving billions of naira and millions of dollars. The anti-graft agency is probing allegations that funds estimated at ₦36.5 billion and $30 million were diverted from Polaris Bank Plc through companies allegedly linked to the former bank chief. Investigators are said to be examining how loans obtained for specific projects were allegedly redirected to unrelated ventures.
