By Wellington Jopelo
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, fixing the sum at ₦100 million while imposing strict conditions as his trial on alleged national security-related offences continues.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on Monday after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams, ordering that El-Rufai must produce a surety in the same amount before he can be released. The court said the surety must be a responsible individual with verifiable landed property within Abuja’s high-brow districts of Maitama or Asokoro, with valid ownership documents deposited at the court registry.
The judge further directed that El-Rufai surrender his international passports and comply with additional monitoring requirements, including regular reporting to designated security authorities, pending the determination of the case.
El-Rufai’s bail application followed his arraignment over allegations linked to breaches of national security, a matter that has attracted significant attention due to his prominence in Nigeria’s political space and his recent engagements in public affairs.
While the defence argued that the former governor posed no flight risk and should be granted liberal bail terms, the prosecution insisted on stricter conditions, citing the sensitive nature of the allegations and the need to ensure his availability for trial.
After considering submissions from both sides, the court granted bail but attached firm restrictions designed to balance the rights of the defendant with the seriousness of the charges before it.
The case is expected to continue in the coming weeks as legal arguments progress and further evidence is presented before the court.