El-Rufai Granted N100 Million Bail

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai bail in the sum of N100 million, in connection with allegations that he illegally intercepted communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The ruling was delivered on Monday, coming shortly after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had publicly called for El-Rufai’s release so he could observe the Eid celebrations at home.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the proceedings, handed down the decision alongside a number of strict conditions that must be met before the bail takes effect.

Among the requirements, El-Rufai must present a surety who holds a federal civil service position of no less than Grade Level 17 and is a resident of either the Maitama or Asokoro areas of the Federal Capital Territory.

The court further stipulated that the surety must furnish proof of salary payments over the preceding three months, supported by an authenticated letter from a bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction.

Related: El-Rufai Says Boko Haram Leaders Cannot Be Arrested Like Nnamdi Kanu

The surety is also required to swear an affidavit of means and submit a recent passport photograph.

On his part, El-Rufai must deposit his international passport with the court and produce a Certificate of Occupancy for a property in his name.

The surety is additionally required to provide a departmental verification letter along with a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months.

Justice Abdulmalik further ordered that El-Rufai report to the headquarters of the State Security Service on the final Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. to sign an attendance register, and that this obligation remains in force until the case is concluded.

The judge made clear that any breach of the bail conditions would lead to its immediate revocation.

El-Rufai was also directed to obtain and submit an attestation letter from the chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council.