Nigeria: ex-politician released on bail after bribing anti-corruption chief

Former senator Shehu Sani has been released on bail after four weeks in custody for attempting to bribe the head of Nigeria’s anti-corruption body.

The former senator for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) is also accused of fraud. According to Sahara Reporters, Mr Sani allegedly attempted to extort at least $20,000 from a car dealer. 

He was released on bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja after pleading not guilty to charges of fraud and bribery. 

He has been ordered to pay 10m naira ($28,000) and to hand his passport in to the court. 

Speaking to local media, Mr Sani said he was grateful to Nigerians for their support and prayers while in custody. 

In 2018, Mr Sani gained media attention for exposing the amount of money Nigerian senators received in monthly expenses. He called the scandal a “moral issue” and said that greater scrutiny was needed. The figure was revealed to be $37,000 per month, on top of the senators’ regular salary of over $2,000 a month.  

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