Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has been released from EFCC custody after meeting his bail conditions.
Fani-Kayode was released at about 6:30pm in Lagos on Friday after over two months in detention.
The former Aviation Minister, shortly after his release told journalists that he was grateful to God for setting him 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,” Fani-Kayode said.
The former Aviation minister was arrested by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged 1.5 billion Naira fraud and has been charged alongside a former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman and one Jimoh Yusuf.
The Federal High Court had granted them bail in the sum of 250 million Naira each.
The trial judge, Justice Sule Hassan, had ruled that there was no evidence that the defendants would interfere with trial if granted bail, and that denying them bail, especially as the courts’ vacation was near, would not serve the interest of justice.
Justice Hassan said the accused persons must provide two sureties who must own landed properties within the court’s jurisdiction and must present to the court, evidence of tax clearance.
The defendants were also ordered to deposit their international passports in the custody of the court pending the determination of the case.
Owing to the courts’ annual vacation which commences on Monday July 11, 2016 Justice Hassan adjourned commencement of trial to October 19, 2016.