My 67 days ordeal in EFCC custody, Kirikiri prison — Fani-Kayode

Firstclass Newsline_Former Minister of Aviation and spokesman for the
Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has
described his experience in detention as traumatic and depressing.
Fani-Kayode, who was released on Friday night, told
Firstclass Newsline on Saturday that though his
freedom after 67 days in government's custody would allow him to
prepare his defence for allegations levelled against him by the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, it would be meaningless if
other people in detention are not released.
"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," he told Firstclass Newsline.
The ex-minister also said his release would allow him to prepare for
any eventuality, noting that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led
government is intolerant of criticisms.
He said, "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."
Fani-Kayode was accused by the EFCC of receiving N840m during the
build-up to the 2015 presidential election and arraigned on June 28,
2016, before Justice Hassan on 17 counts of conspiracy, unlawful
retention of proceeds of theft and money laundering.
He was, however, granted bail in the sum of N250m on July 4. As part
of his bail, he was ordered to deposit his passport in the custody of
the court pending the outcome of the case.