Timi Frank Blames Ayeni for Bail Conditions That Were Not Clearly Explained

Timi Frank, who once served as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized the bail conditions imposed on Nigerian businessman Tunde Ayeni by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

Speaking on Thursday, Frank called the conditions “excessively stringent” and warned that they could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

He said the bail terms set by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie in the FCT High Court at Apo were unprecedented, politically motivated, and “unconnected to unseen hands of the ‘presidency.’”

One of the conditions required a surety to provide a bank guarantee of N15 billion—the amount involved in the case—with a pledge that the sum would be forfeited to the Federal Government if Ayeni fled.

Frank noted that such conditions are unusual for bailable offences and are less favorable than bail terms granted to other high‑profile defendants charged with corruption.

“It is surprising to hear of such a condition, as it appears highly unusual and capable of bringing shame to our judicial process,” Frank said.

He urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bail conditions in order to safeguard public trust in the judicial system.

“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 added.