Political activist and former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, has condemned the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja for businessman Tunde Ayeni, describing them as excessive and capable of undermining public trust in the judiciary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Frank said that the ruling delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court in Apo imposed unusually strict terms that, in his view, appeared politically influenced and inconsistent with standard bail practices in Nigeria.
He specifically faulted a condition requiring a surety to provide a bank guarantee of N15 billion — the full amount linked to the charge — with an undertaking that the sum would be forfeited to the Federal Government if the defendant absconds. According to him, such a requirement is rare in cases considered bailable under Nigerian law.
Frank described the development as “shocking,” insisting that it risks damaging confidence in the country’s judicial system, especially when compared with bail terms granted to other high-profile individuals facing corruption-related allegations.
He further referenced cases involving former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Yahaya Bello, claiming they were granted more lenient bail conditions despite facing more serious financial allegations.
The activist also alleged possible political interference in the matter and urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bail decision in order to safeguard judicial independence.
According to him, Nigeria’s justice system must not equate accusations with guilt, stressing that courts are constitutionally required to protect liberty and uphold the presumption of innocence under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution.
Frank maintained that the charges against Ayeni are bailable and insisted that the businessman has shown readiness to stand trial, adding that he should be allowed fair opportunity to prepare his defence while enjoying his constitutional right to bail.