Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has criticised the bail conditions granted to businessman Tunde Ayeni by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, describing the terms as excessive and capable of undermining public confidence in the judiciary.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Frank alleged that the conditions imposed by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court in Apo were unusually stringent for offences considered bailable under Nigerian law.

He particularly objected to the requirement that one of the sureties provide a bank guarantee covering N15 billion, the amount involved in the case, with the risk of forfeiture to the Federal Government if the defendant fails to appear in court.

According to Frank, the conditions differed sharply from bail terms granted to other prominent individuals facing corruption-related charges in the country.

He argued that such measures could create negative perceptions about the nation’s judicial process and alleged that political considerations might be influencing the matter.

Frank also claimed that several former public office holders accused of larger financial crimes had secured bail under less demanding conditions.

He referenced former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Yahaya Bello as examples of defendants who, according to him, received more favourable bail arrangements.

The activist expressed concern over what he described as increasing politicisation within the justice system and warned against actions that could weaken public trust in judicial independence.

He called on the National Judicial Council to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bail conditions in order to preserve confidence in the judiciary.

Frank further maintained that Ayeni remained constitutionally presumed innocent until proven guilty and should be allowed to prepare his defence while enjoying his right to bail.