Fani-Kayode, who was released on Friday night, told Punch on Saturday that though his freedom after 67 days in custody would allow him to prepare his defence for allegations levelled against him by the EFCC, it would be meaningless if other people in detention are not released.
Speaking on what he went through he prison, he said:
“It was quite an ordeal. It was an ordeal. But I thank God that I am free and that I have been given an opportunity to defend myself in court when the case starts – I am looking forward to that. Outside of that, the truth is that as long as others who are also political prisoners and have been falsely accused are still in (security agencies’) custody our country, then I believe that my freedom is meaningless.
“So, until every single political prisoner or every single person falsely accused by the state, by the government and the EFCC has been released; has been given the opportunity to defend himself in court; and until that happens, I don’t think any of us is free. We still have people like Sambo Dasuki, Iyiola Omisore and many others in prison or EFCC’s custody.”
The ex-minister also talked tough, saying: “You have people in EFCC custody – husbands and wives locked up for no good reasons. It is very traumatic and depressing but now, is not the time to talk; right now I am preparing my defence. I am preparing for any eventuality because I know the government is capable of doing anything to anybody at anytime, who criticises them.
“I am also preparing and praying for what lies ahead. Whatever the case, the struggle will continue and then we shall prevail. Those that seek to impose an ethnic and religious bondage and servitude on people of this nation will not succeed. And, every Nigerian, regardless of his religious faith or where he comes from, will and shall be treated equally – and that’s what we are fighting for.”
Asked if he ate food prepared for him in prison, he said, “While in prison, I only ate food that was brought to me by my wife. The prison officials were very professional. People were treated like human beings and that is to be commended. But being in EFCC’s custody is a different kettle of fish. I am glad to be free at last. I pray that this country is delivered from the sort of evil where people are just accused and locked up indefinitely and maligned by the press.”
You may wish to know that Fani-Kayode is accused by EFCC of receiving N840m during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election and other sums that were laundered through girlfriends, etc.
“So, until every single political prisoner or every single person falsely accused by the state, by the government and the EFCC has been released; has been given the opportunity to defend himself in court; and until that happens, I don’t think any of us is free. We still have people like Sambo Dasuki, Iyiola Omisore and many others in prison or EFCC’s custody.”
The ex-minister also talked tough, saying: “You have people in EFCC custody – husbands and wives locked up for no good reasons. It is very traumatic and depressing but now, is not the time to talk; right now I am preparing my defence. I am preparing for any eventuality because I know the government is capable of doing anything to anybody at anytime, who criticises them.
“I am also preparing and praying for what lies ahead. Whatever the case, the struggle will continue and then we shall prevail. Those that seek to impose an ethnic and religious bondage and servitude on people of this nation will not succeed. And, every Nigerian, regardless of his religious faith or where he comes from, will and shall be treated equally – and that’s what we are fighting for.”
Asked if he ate food prepared for him in prison, he said, “While in prison, I only ate food that was brought to me by my wife. The prison officials were very professional. People were treated like human beings and that is to be commended. But being in EFCC’s custody is a different kettle of fish. I am glad to be free at last. I pray that this country is delivered from the sort of evil where people are just accused and locked up indefinitely and maligned by the press.”
You may wish to know that Fani-Kayode is accused by EFCC of receiving N840m during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election and other sums that were laundered through girlfriends, etc.
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