Editorials
El-Rufai to remain in detention till September as bail conditions stall release
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has now spent 126 days in detention over allegations bordering on abuse of office, money laundering and illegal wiretapping, amid difficulties in meeting what his family and legal team describe as stringent bail conditions imposed by different courts.
El-Rufai, who has been in custody since February 16, 2026, after honouring an invitation by the EFCC, could spend up to 217 days behind bars if he remains detained until the next hearing date fixed for September 22, 2026. He was briefly released for two days to attend his mother’s burial.
His detention followed an investigation involving the EFCC, ICPC and DSS, culminating in his arraignment before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Court Refuses To Relax Bail Conditions
Although Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted him bail on May 18, El-Rufai has remained in custody after failing to satisfy the conditions attached to the release.
The court ordered that his surety must:
Be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17.
Own a landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro in Abuja.
Deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of the property.
Provide proof of salary payments for at least three months.
Submit a bank manager’s verification letter.
Swear to an affidavit of means and execute a bail bond.
His legal team requested a variation of the conditions, arguing that they were excessively difficult to meet, but the court rejected the application, maintaining that qualified individuals capable of fulfilling the requirements exist.
DSS Closes Case Against Ex-Governor
At Tuesday’s proceedings, the DSS formally closed its case after calling only two witnesses, including activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
El-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), informed the court that the defence would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence against the former governor.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 22 for hearing of the no-case submission and continuation of proceedings.
Family Raises Health Concerns
A member of El-Rufai’s family disclosed that medical experts at the National Hospital, Abuja, have expressed concern over his deteriorating health, claiming he may be developing prostate-related complications.
According to the family source, El-Rufai has continued to receive medical attention while in ICPC custody and relatives are allowed to visit him and bring food.
The family also alleged that despite efforts since May, they have been unable to find a Grade Level 17 federal civil servant who owns property in Maitama or Asokoro and is willing to stand as surety.
NBA Condemns Stringent Bail Conditions
Reacting to the growing trend of strict bail requirements, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, criticised what he described as punitive bail conditions imposed by courts and law enforcement agencies.
Osigwe argued that bail is increasingly being granted in a manner that effectively denies suspects their freedom, noting that demands for directors or senior civil servants as sureties have created what he termed a “black market in suretyship,” where individuals charge money to stand as sureties for detainees.
He called for more reasonable bail conditions focused solely on ensuring that defendants appear before investigators and courts when required.
Possible Political Implications
The prolonged detention of El-Rufai, now a prominent figure within the opposition ADC, comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With the prosecution having closed its case and the defence preparing a no-case submission, attention will now shift to the September proceedings, which could determine whether the former governor remains on trial or secures a significant legal victory.
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