El-Rufai’s release delayed as court insists on strict bail compliance

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, will remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) until he fulfils the bail conditions granted by the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.

The ruling followed a decision by the court to grant bail to El-Rufai in a corruption case instituted against him by the anti-graft agency. However, the trial judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, ordered that the former governor must remain in custody until all conditions attached to the bail are fully satisfied.

The development means that although bail has been approved, El-Rufai cannot be released immediately, as compliance with the stringent requirements remains a prerequisite for his freedom pending trial.

Reacting to the court’s decision, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and close associate of the former governor, Hayatudeen Lawal Makarfi, described the bail conditions as excessive and difficult to meet.

He alleged that the conditions imposed by the court include multiple requirements such as provision of landed property, a N200 million bond, and additional conditions involving a traditional titleholder as surety, among others.

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“The bail conditions are many, from landed properties to N200 million to someone who has a traditional title, and so many conditions, numbering almost ten or more,” he said.

The associate argued that the conditions appeared stringent and could prolong El-Rufai’s detention despite the granting of bail.

The ICPC had instituted the corruption charges against the former governor as part of ongoing efforts to prosecute alleged financial misconduct involving public officials.

Legal observers note that while bail does not imply guilt, the enforcement of strict conditions is often applied in high-profile corruption cases to ensure defendants’ presence in court.

The matter is expected to continue as El-Rufai’s legal team works to meet the conditions required for his release, while the substantive trial proceeds.