Controversy over the continued detention of a suspect, Alhaji Ilesanmi Olaniyi Saheed, in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cell in Abuja despite his deteriorating health condition continued, yesterday, as officials of the commission relocated him from the Federal Medical Centre to their cell.
The suspect, who is standing trial over a fraud case with another accomplice, reportedly collapsed in detention a few days back and was rushed to the hospital by officials of the commission.
He allegedly collapsed after persistent pleas by his lawyers for his bail on health grounds failed.
The suspect, Alhaji Ilesanmi Olaniyi Saheed was first arrested alongside one Ishola Maruf by officers of the Force Intelligence Department (FCID), of the Police on March 17, 2024, in connection with an alleged financial glitch involving Moniepoint Bank.
They were detained by the police, granted administrative bail with valid sureties, and have since been complying with the conditions. Some of their vehicles, along with goods, documents, and other equipment were seized from their homes.
However, the EFCC, through its Special Diy Section 2, SDC2, invited and detained the same men over the same allegations prompting their lawyer, Khadija Bayero to raise alarm alleging double Jeopardy.
The lawyer reportedly warned that their health conditions were deteriorating and requires regular medical attention after spending more than 12 days in EFCC custody without being granted bail.
According to her, they are medically unsound, and the EFCC clinic can attest to their frequent visits due to their failing health. She also warned that their continued detention poses serious risks.
Calling on the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to urgently intervene, Bayero urged a halt to what she termed as “multiple arrests on the same case by different agencies”, noting that the conflicting actions were setting a dangerous precedent and placing undue psychological and physical strain on her clients.
In a related development, another letter dated July 29, 2025, was addressed to the Director of SDC2, by a separate counsel, Ifeanyi Nwabueze, representing the suspects, reaffirming that the suspects were already on valid administrative bail granted by the police, and appealed for leniency in EFCC’s bail conditions, citing health and legal concerns.
“In particular, we kindly request that they be permitted to present civil servants on Grade Level 14 and 15 as sureties in lieu of the higher grade initially stipulated.”
He also highlighted their critical medical condition: “Our clients have medical history of a serious type of cardiovascular disease that requires medical attention regularly and we assure you that this request is made in good faith and will in no way interfere with the Commission’s investigation.”
In the same vein, former NBA Chairman in Yola, Adamawa State, Aji Kamale noted in his letter to the Chairman, EFCC that ” the allegations against the suspects are bailable in nature and one of the suspects has been experiencing ill health and as at 10th of August 2025, he has to be rushed to Federal Medical Centre.”
However, few days after the requests, reports said one of the suspects collapsed inside EFCC cell and was rushed to a special ward in blue room at the Federal Medical Centre.
According to his lawyers, his BP has been over 220/140 since he was admitted, and it refused to go down while the cardiologist handling the matter has not been seen.
It has not been possible to ascertain if his health condition has improved but family sources said they are putting more pressure on EFCC to save the life of their bread winner stating that an unconfirmed source hinted that he may be granted bail today.
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