Nigeria’s Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum.
El-Rufai, who allegedly admitted on national television to wiretapping the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is being charged by the Department of State Services (DSS) for breading national security.
But, the former governor meets today’s bail conditions, he may still not be a free man based on an April 21, 2026, ruling by a Kaduna State High Court refusing his bail application.
Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna Judicial Division, in a matter brought against the former governor by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), ruled that the seriousness of the allegations against El’Rufai and concerns over interference with investigations outweighed the grounds advanced for his release.
Justice Abdulmalik today ruled that the proposed surety for the former governor must reside in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja, is required to be a federal civil servant not below GL 17, and must deposit the original C of O of a landed property with the court registry.
He or she must provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months, authenticated by a letter from the manager of the bank within the jurisdiction of the court.
The court further ordered the surety to depose to an affidavit of means, enter into a bail bond, and submit a recent passport photograph to the court registry.
The defendant is to deposit all valid international passports with the court.
A verification letter from the surety’s immediate department must be submitted alongside a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months.
The defendant is to report to the headquarters of the DSS every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register pending the determination of the case.
The judge warned that failure to comply would lead to an automatic revocation of the bail.
The court additionally directed the defendant to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered an accelerated trial.