Bankole detained in underground cell

FORMER Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, who is currently facing trial in two courts for alleged fraud and loan conversion, was in a dejected mood yesterday following his week-long detention in the not-so-cosy EFCC custody. An EFCC operative, who would not like to be mentioned, told Vanguard that Bankole has obviously lost his cool after more than seven days in custody. He said: “The man has lost some of his ‘swag’ after all these days in almost solitary confinement. He appears dejected and frustrated at his condition. Everyone who is accustomed to living lavishly would feel the same way when those niceties are taken away, even if momentarily.” The operative noted, however, that the former number four man in the polity was not enjoying any preferential treatment from the operatives detailed to guard him, adding: “No; he is treated like any other suspect in our custody, though we make sure that he gets access to his lawyers and other people who matter to the case. Don’t forget that he is being held under orders from the court.” Those who have visited him say the former speaker is being detained in an underground cell at the EFCC headquarters with only a mat for him to sleep on.” He said: “Our cells are relatively new and well-kept. Don’t forget that they are the same cells that held other high profile suspects including former governors, former ministers and chief executives of banks, and I do not remember anyone of them coming back to say we treated them badly.” Bankole was arrested penultimate Sunday at his Asokoro residence after weeks of ‘hide and seek’ with operatives of the EFCC.