Former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources and Fishrot accused, Bernhardt Esau, says he is willing to pay bail of N$200,000.

He said this as he pleaded with the High Court for his release.

During Thursday's bail hearing, Esau disputed the evidence that implicates him in the laundering of millions of dollars using entities placed under his care.

Bernhardt Esau, while acknowledging that he once held an important public office, says he remains a citizen of Namibia and reminds the court that he too should be treated like any other citizen.

Fishrot accused and former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernhardt Esau told the High Court on Thursday that his co-accused, specifically Mike Nghipunya, used his name to distribute and sell fishing quotas while redirecting funds meant for Governmental Objectives for their own benefit.