The Digest:
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai bail in the sum of N100 million over charges bordering on alleged breach of national security. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik imposed stringent conditions: the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17, reside in Maitama or Asokoro, deposit a landed property's Certificate of Occupancy, and provide tax clearance for six months. El-Rufai must surrender his international passports and report to DSS headquarters on the last Friday of each month. He pleaded not guilty to an amended five-count charge.
Key Points:
- The strict bail conditions reflect the court's concern over the seriousness of the alleged offence.
- El-Rufai must report monthly to DSS, ensuring continued state surveillance during trial.
- The charge includes allegedly intercepting NSA Nuhu Ribadu's communications without authorisation.
- The former governor's plea of not guilty sets the stage for a protracted legal battle.
- The bail ruling follows weeks of detention after his February arrest by DSS
