Lamido: It’s hard to share my prison experience

Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa state, who was recently granted bail after spending four days in detention, says his recent travail is part of his “struggles”.

Lamido, who was remanded alongside two of his sons, described the encounter as one of the hazards of being a public figure.

On July 7, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the former governor and his sons for allegedly siphoning billions of naira belonging to the state government.

They were arraigned in court and remanded in Kano prison‎ after being docked on a 28-count charge of corruption and money laundering.

Addressing reporters on Thursday, Lamido said only those who were incarcerated with him would understand what he and his children went through.

“People hate me because I am outspoken,” he said.

“It is difficult to share my prison with anyone because it’s not like hunger or something tangible. You have to be in there to feel what I and my children went through.

“I’m not new to detention, it’s all part of struggle for life. If the purpose is to humiliate, well that’s part of the hazard of occupying public office.”

Meanwhile, his supporters thronged the Aminu Kano international airport as early as 6am to welcome him.

They were singing songs of solidarity and insinuating that the trial is politically motivated.

Aviation security initially barred journalists from covering of Lamido’s return to Kano.