Isaac Samuel
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like amount over charges filed against him.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the ruling, said the surety must reside in either the Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property with the court registry.
The court further directed that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months.
In addition, the judge ordered that the documents be authenticated through a letter issued by the surety’s bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice Abdulmalik held that the bail conditions were meant to ensure the defendant’s availability for trial and the smooth continuation of proceedings before the court.
El-Rufai was also directed not to travel outside the country without the permission of the court, while the matter was adjourned to a later date for continuation of hearing.
The former governor, who served as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, has been facing legal proceedings arising from allegations linked to his administration.
The charges are part of a broader legal and political controversy that has continued to generate reactions within the country’s political space.
The court also directed that a verification letter from the surety’s immediate department be submitted, alongside a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months.
Justice Abdulmalik further ordered the defendant to report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS, every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register, pending the determination of the case.
The judge warned that failure to comply would lead to an automatic revocation of the bail.
The court additionally directed El-Rufai to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council.
The court equally ordered an accelerated trial of the charge brought against El-Rufai by the Nigerian government.
