THE former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has now spent 126 days in detention over allegations including abuse of office, money laundering, and unlawful wiretapping, with his legal team attributing his continued custody to what they describe as difficult bail conditions imposed by various courts.
The former governor was initially detained on February 16, 2026, after responding to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was subsequently transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he has remained in custody except for a brief release to attend his mother’s burial.
Yesterday, a Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned El-Rufai’s trial over the alleged interception of communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu until September 22, 2026.
El-Rufai, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, is facing a five-count case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
He was granted bail on May 18 by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik; he has, however, not yet met the conditions attached to his release.
The bail terms require a surety who is a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and who owns property in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts.
The surety must also provide extensive documentation, including proof of salary payments, a letter from their bank, an affidavit of means, and the original Certificate of Occupancy of the property.
During yesterday’s proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), requested a review of the bail conditions, arguing that they were excessively difficult to satisfy.
The court, however, declined the application, ruling that sufficient grounds had not been presented to justify altering the conditions.
The prosecution, led by Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), also announced the closure of its case after presenting two witnesses. In response, the defence indicated plans to file a no-case submission, arguing that the evidence presented does not establish a case against the former governor. The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 22.
A member of El-Rufai’s family, who spoke anonymously, expressed concern about his health, claiming that medical assessments have raised fears of possible prostate-related complications.
The relative said the family has access to him in custody and that he has been receiving medical attention through arrangements made by the ICPC.
The family further maintained that all other bail requirements had been fulfilled except the condition requiring a Grade Level 17 federal civil servant with property in Maitama or Asokoro.
According to the source, efforts to find a qualified surety since May have been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, criticized what he described as increasingly restrictive bail conditions imposed by courts and law enforcement agencies.
Speaking in Abuja, Osigwe argued that some bail requirements appear designed to make release practically impossible, creating financial and procedural burdens for defendants and their families.
He also urged authorities to ensure compliance with legal provisions that allow judges and magistrates to inspect detention facilities within their jurisdictions.
If El-Rufai remains in custody until the next hearing date, he will have spent approximately 217 days in detention since his arrest in February.
