Atiku Abubakar Critiques El-Rufai's Bail Conditions

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the ongoing detention of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, and the stringent bail conditions imposed by the court. El-Rufai is facing charges related to alleged abuse of office and financial impropriety, including money laundering, during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has scheduled a ruling on his bail application for July 1, 2026. El-Rufai, alongside co-defendant Jimi Lawal, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include 11 counts of corruption.

The case is being overseen by Justice Hauwa U. Buhari, who adjourned the proceedings until the specified date.

Atiku Abubakar's statement, issued by his Senior Special Assistant Phrank Shaibu, expressed concern that the court's refusal to review El-Rufai's bail conditions could set a troubling precedent affecting the liberties of ordinary citizens. The bail conditions require El-Rufai to produce two sureties who are retired civil servants at grade level 15 or above.