Shehu Sani Regains Freedom

Senator Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, has been released from the detention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nigeria’s anti-graft agency.

Tony Orilade, EFCC Head of Media confirmed, noting that this to SECURITY MONITOR in a telephone conversation noting that the former lawmaker after four weeks in detention over alleged extortion. yesterday met his bail condition and was released.

Senator Sani according to the EFCC was alleged to have collected money from Sani Dauda, owner of ASD Motors, promising to pass it on to Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the anti-graft agency.

Sani, who represented Kaduna central senatorial district between 2015 and 2019, also reportedly said he could assist Dauda in influencing the outcome of some cases using his connection with Muhammad Tanko, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and some other judges.

However, while reacting to his arrest Sani, in a statement had described his arrest and detention by the EFCC as unfair, unjust, prearranged and politically motivated.

The former lawmaker stated that the allegations against him were attempts to dent his image as a result of his criticism of the current government.

The political activist denied talking to Sani Dauda about any form of bribe or gratification to be given to any judge or any EFCC official.

But the EFCC insisted that the Sani has a case to answer.

The anti graft agency image maker added that “Let it be stated clearly, that Senator Shehu Sani has questions to answer as regards the alleged involvement in name-dropping, and particularly that he obtained $25,000 from Alhaji Sani Dauda, the ASD Motors boss, in order to help shield him from investigations being carried out by the EFCC.”

In another twist, Suleiman Ahmed, an aide to the former lawmaker, revealed that the ex-Senator was “forced to declare his assets”.

He wondered why the EFCC has not detained Sani’s accuser “who admitted to giving bribe” and why it has not invited “Alhaji Samaila Isa Funtua who was mentioned in the frame up against Shehu Sani?”

The anti-corruption agency on Monday arraigned Senator Shehu Sani at a federal high court in Abuja on two charges of bribery.

He pleaded “not guilty” to a two-count charge of bribery.

Sani was, on Monday, admitted to bail in the sum of N10m by Justice Inyan Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The judge directed him to find one surety, who must own a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory.