Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, on Tuesday secured bail from a Federal High Court in Kaduna after nearly two months in detention.
The Kaduna State High Court adjourned ruling on a separate bail application to April 21.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the former governor bail after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution.
He ordered that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.
Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), El-Rufai’s lead counsel had urged the court to admit his client to bail, arguing that it is a constitutional right and that the former governor has strong ties within Nigeria, making him unlikely to abscond.
Moreso, the prosecution, led by the ICPC, opposed the application, citing concerns that the defendant could interfere with witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations if released.
The court subsequently granted bail with stringent conditions, including a N200 million bond with two sureties in like sum.
And the sureties are to include a recognised traditional ruler and a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15. Other conditions include the submission of landed property documents, deposit of international passports with the court, and a restriction on public comments relating to the case, among others.
Bello El-Rufai, a family member of the former governor told journalists that efforts were underway to meet the conditions.
“The conditions are many, close to 10 or more, but we hope to fulfil them,” he said.
ICPC on March 18, filed a 10-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, and abuse of office.
El-Rufai’s legal ordeal began on February 16, when he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Although he was initially granted bail, he was subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC and remained in custody for several weeks before his arraignment.
The ICPC granted him temporary release on compassionate grounds on March 27 following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.
