Political activist and former APC deputy national publicity secretary, Comrade Timi Frank, has criticised the bail conditions granted to businessman and former Skye Bank chairman, Tunde Ayeni, describing them as excessive and capable of damaging public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary.
Frank made the remarks in a statement personally signed on Thursday following the Federal Capital Territory High Court’s decision to grant Ayeni bail under strict conditions.
According to him, the conditions imposed by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court in Abuja were unusual and raised concerns about possible political influence in the case.
One of the bail requirements reportedly ordered one of Ayeni’s sureties to provide a ₦15 billion bank guarantee — equivalent to the amount involved in the criminal charges against him.
The court also ordered that the money would be forfeited to the Federal Government if the businessman absconds.
Reacting to the development, Timi Frank questioned why such tough conditions were imposed despite the offences being legally bailable.
“It is surprising to hear of such a condition,” Frank said.
He argued that the terms appeared far stricter than those granted to several other high-profile political figures accused of financial crimes involving even larger sums.
Frank specifically mentioned former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Yahaya Bello, claiming they reportedly received less severe bail conditions despite facing major corruption allegations.
The activist further alleged that there could be interference from powerful political figures in the matter.
According to him, the situation raises serious concerns about the growing politicisation of Nigeria’s justice system.
Frank warned that any perception of political influence over judicial processes could weaken public confidence in the courts and damage Nigeria’s democratic image internationally.
“The Nigerian criminal justice system must resist the temptation to equate allegations with guilt,” he stated.
He stressed that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty under the Nigerian Constitution.
Frank also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bail conditions in order to protect the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
He additionally urged the international community to monitor developments closely, warning that fears of compromised justice could discourage foreign investors.
Meanwhile, Tunde Ayeni is currently facing a 17-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds reportedly amounting to ₦15.66 billion.
The court granted him bail in the sum of ₦200 million with strict conditions attached.
Aside from the ₦15 billion bank guarantee requirement, the court also ordered two federal civil servant sureties who must own landed properties in Abuja valued at not less than ₦500 million each.
Ayeni was further directed to surrender his international passport and barred from travelling outside Nigeria without court approval.
Reports also indicate that he remains in custody pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.
The case has continued to generate reactions across legal and political circles due to the severity of the bail requirements.
Source: Statement by Timi Frank
