Chidoka Critiques Excessive Bail Conditions in Nigeria

Former minister Chidoka has accused Nigerian courts of imposing excessive bail conditions that are unrealistic for civil servants. He criticized a recent high court ruling in Abuja that required defendants to provide sureties from federal civil servants at grade level 16 and above, own property in Abuja worth 500 million Naira, and furnish a bank guarantee of 15 billion Naira.

Chidoka argued that these conditions create an impression of wealth rather than character and send a damaging message about public service integrity. He referenced the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which prohibits excessive bail conditions, and cited a court of appeal decision that struck down a similar requirement of 100 million Naira.

Chidoka emphasized that such conditions are practically impossible to meet and violate the presumption of innocence. He called for the judiciary to end the reliance on wealth as a measure of credibility, stating that it discriminates against civil servants and undermines the fight against corruption.