El-Rufai Facing Stringent Bail Conditions In ‘Fraud’ Trial — Kano Emir, Sanusi
By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa
The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has lamented the hurdles stacked against former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, which the ex-FCT minister is expected to scale before he regains his freedom from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Sanusi noted that the former Kaduna helmsman is facing stringent bail conditions adding that authorities demanded that an emir and a senior government official stand surety for el-Rufai before he could be released
The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor spoke on Wednesday to journalists after an event.
“For example, look at what is happening with my brother, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai. He is currently in custody, and the requirements for his release are incredibly difficult,” Sanusi said, speaking in Hausa.
“They stated that an emir and a senior government worker must sign his bail.”
El-Rufai served for eight years as Kaduna governor. He was not appointed and neither did he seek any elective political positions after the expiration óf his tenure.
The former FCT minister is believed to be instrumental in the emergence of Tinubu as Nigeria’s president in the 2023 general elections.
He was, however, denied an appointive position as a Minister following reports from the Department of the State Security (DSS). The supposed reports apparently stood against him during his screening at the national assembly.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19 over alleged financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kaduna between 2015 and 2023.
On April 13, the ICPC arraigned the former governor at the Kaduna high court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.
But his loyalists under the aegis of the el-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA), on Wednesday, said they have engaged a United States-based advocacy firm to lead an international campaign over the ongoing trial of the former governor of Kaduna.
Mohammed Salihu, director of strategic partnerships of ERSGA, said the association had retained Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based organisation, to engage policymakers, democracy advocates, and international stakeholders on developments surrounding el-Rufai’s prosecution
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The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also lamented the declining social and cultural standing of the northern region.
Sanusi said poverty has long existed in the region, but northerners have historically maintained their dignity and placed their trust in God despite economic hardship.
“Regarding the north, we all know that poverty has been a long-standing issue here. Yet, despite their poverty, northern people value and respect themselves, leaving everything in the hands of Almighty God,” he said.
“What is troubling the north is not just a lack of money, but the erosion of our culture, the testing of our patience, and the continuous attempt to copy other cultures across this country.”
Sanusi noted that northerners no longer command the level of acceptance and influence they once enjoyed in national politics.
“Previously, a northerner was widely accepted to lead the entire nation, but today, northerners are no longer viewed differently from anyone else,” he said.
