TDThe Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the sum of ₦100 million, with stringent conditions attached.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
The judge emphasized that the bail terms must be strictly adhered to before the defendant can regain his freedom.
El-Rufai, who is facing a five-count amended charge brought by the Department of State Services (DSS), was ordered to produce one surety in like sum.
The court specified that the surety must reside in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja.
The surety must also deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property with the court registry jurisdiction.
Stringent Bail Conditions
Justice Abdulmalik outlined a series of conditions:
- The surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17.
- Evidence of salary payments for at least three months must be provided, authenticated by a letter from a bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction.
- The surety must depose to an affidavit of means, enter into a bail bond, and submit a recent passport photograph to the court registry.
- El-Rufai himself must deposit all valid international passports with the court registry.
- A verification letter from the surety’s immediate department and a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months must also be submitted.
- Additionally, El-Rufai must report to the DSS headquarters every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register pending the determination of the case.
The court further directed that El-Rufai present a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council.
Warning from the Bench
Justice Abdulmalik warned that failure to comply with any of the bail conditions would lead to an automatic revocation of the bail.
El-Rufai was arraigned by the DSS on allegations tied to national security concerns, with prosecutors pressing five amended charges.
His bail application had drawn significant public attention, given his status as a former governor and prominent political figure.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s insistence on accountability and strict compliance with bail procedures, especially in high-profile cases.
For now, El-Rufai’s freedom hinges on meeting the stringent requirements set by the court.
