By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the sum of N100 million, ending days of uncertainty over his detention status. The ruling was delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who also imposed stringent conditions on the surety required to secure the release.
Under the court’s directive, the surety must be of the same financial standing as the bail sum and must reside in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja. The court further ordered that the surety deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy for a landed property with the court registry as part of the guarantee.
Justice Abdulmalik specified that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17, a requirement aimed at ensuring accountability and traceability. The court also mandated evidence of salary payments for at least three months to verify the surety’s financial capacity.
To strengthen the process, the judge ruled that the documents must be authenticated by a letter from the surety’s bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction. The measure is intended to prevent the submission of forged or inadequate financial records.
The bail decision comes after El-Rufai’s legal team argued for his release pending further proceedings. The court’s conditions reflect a cautious approach, balancing the presumption of innocence with the need to ensure the defendant’s availability for trial.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. His case has drawn significant public attention, with reactions cutting across party lines and civil society groups.
The court did not disclose the specific charges during the brief ruling but noted that “details later” would follow. The matter is expected to return for substantive hearing once administrative requirements for bail are satisfied.
Legal analysts say the surety conditions, particularly the property and civil service requirements, are among the strictest applied in high-profile cases in recent years. The move signals the court’s intent to prevent flight risk while allowing the accused to prepare his defense outside custody.
For now, El-Rufai’s release hinges on meeting the court’s terms. The development marks a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former governor.
