Political activist and former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Timi Frank, has expressed concern over the bail conditions imposed on businessman Tunde Ayeni by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, describing them as unusually stringent and potentially damaging to public confidence in the judiciary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Frank said the terms granted by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court, Apo, appeared excessive when compared with standard bail practices in similar high-profile cases.
He noted that the requirement for a surety to provide a bank guarantee of N15 billion—matching the amount in dispute in the case—along with an undertaking of forfeiture to the Federal Government in the event of abscondment, stood out as particularly severe.
Frank warned that such conditions risked creating the impression of pre-trial punishment rather than a safeguard for ensuring attendance in court.
He argued that while courts have discretion in granting bail, such discretion must remain consistent with constitutional principles, including the presumption of innocence.
“It is surprising to hear of such a condition, as it appears highly unusual and capable of bringing shame to our judicial process,” he said.
The activist also alleged possible external influence on the proceedings, including from the Presidency, and suggested that the case be viewed in the context of other corruption-related trials involving prominent political figures.
He referenced former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Yahaya Bello, arguing that defendants in comparable situations had reportedly been granted more lenient bail terms.
Frank further cautioned against what he described as the gradual politicisation of judicial decisions, stressing that such trends could weaken public trust in the courts and the broader justice system.
He urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take a closer look at the bail conditions to ensure they align with established legal standards and do not undermine judicial independence.
“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 instruments of pre-conviction punishment,” he stated.
Frank also called on international observers to monitor the situation, warning that perceived inconsistencies in judicial fairness could affect investor confidence and Nigeria’s global reputation.
He maintained that the offences against Ayeni are bailable under the law and cited Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the presumption of innocence.
According to him, Ayeni has demonstrated readiness to face trial and should therefore be granted fair and reasonable conditions that allow him adequate opportunity to prepare his defence.