News

Femi Fani-Kayode recounts Ordeal while under Arrest

By Nuel Nonny | 17th July 2016

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation has stated that the 67 days he spent in detention was traumatic and depressing.

Fani-Kayode was held by the economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in relation with accepting funds from former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, was released on Friday night after meeting his bail conditions.

The former minister told the Punch on Saturday that though he can now prepare his defence after being released, others in detention should be released as well.

“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 SUNDAY PUNCH.

He however, was full of criticism for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government describing it as intolerant.

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.”