16th July, 2016
The Federal High Court, Lagos had granted bail in the sum of N250 million each, to Fani-Kayode, Nenadi Usman and Danjuma Yusuf who are being tried by the EFCC for allegedly stealing and laundering about N4.9 billion.
The former minister was released around 6:30pm on Friday after over two months in EFCC’s custody.
Fani-Kayode spoke with Channels Television after his release, saying: “I give thanks to God that I am free after 67 days in detention.”
“This was the worst experience of my life but God was with me all the way. I suffered immeasurably but I count it all as joy. I am innocent of all charges and I look forward to defending myself vigorously in court. These charges are politically motivated and I have been severely punished for my political views and criticisms of the government,” he said.
Fani-Kayode was arrested by the anti-graft agency over alleged N1.5 billion fraud and has been charged alongside a former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman; a firm, Joint Trust Dimensions Limited; and one Jimoh Yusuf.
Delivering his ruling on their bail application earlier, the trial judge, Justice Sule Hassan, held that there was no evidence that the defendants would interfere with trial if granted bail.
The judge also held that denying the defendants bail, especially as the courts’ vacation was near, and would span throughout the expiration of August, would not serve the interest of justice.
Justice Sule Hassan granted the defendants bail with two sureties each in like sum. The sureties must own landed properties within the court’s jurisdiction and must present to the court, evidence of tax clearance.