Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized the bail conditions imposed on businessman Tunde Ayeni by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. In a statement released on Thursday, Frank argued that the terms were excessively harsh and could undermine public faith in the judiciary.
Frank alleged that the conditions, set by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, were politically motivated and hinted at the involvement of unseen forces from the presidency. He specifically pointed to a requirement that a surety provide a N15 billion bank guarantee, which matches the amount in question in the case, with an agreement to forfeit the sum if Ayeni fails to appear. This, according to Frank, is highly unusual for bailable offenses and contrasts sharply with bail terms given to other high-profile individuals accused of corruption.
“It is astonishing to learn about such a condition, which seems extremely odd and likely to discredit our judicial system,” Frank stated. He called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to look into the matter to safeguard public confidence in the legal process.
Frank emphasized that the justice system should not treat allegations as proof of guilt. “Courts are duty-bound to protect liberty, not to impose punishment before conviction,” he declared.