El-Rufai: Northern Activist Demands Review Of Ex-Kaduna Governor’s Bail Conditions

Northern human rights activist, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala, has called on the judiciary to immediately review and vary the bail conditions imposed on former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, describing them as excessively harsh and equivalent to pre-trial punishment.

Wala made the call in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, where he argued that the current bail terms were designed in a way that effectively restricts the former governor’s liberty while his trial is ongoing.

He also reacted to recent rumours alleging El-Rufai’s death in custody, which have since been debunked by his family. According to him, the widespread circulation of such rumours reflects growing public concern over the former governor’s welfare and the conditions of his legal ordeal.

“This rumour did not emerge from a vacuum. It is the natural consequence of a growing public panic that the treatment meted out to El-Rufai has crossed the line from a routine legal process into a highly restrictive situation,” he said.

Wala referenced concerns previously raised by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), on what he described as the weaponisation of bail conditions in Nigeria’s judicial system. He argued that El-Rufai’s case represents a critical example of the trend.

He specifically faulted the bail conditions, which reportedly require multiple sureties who must be federal civil servants on Grade Level 17, submission of Certificates of Occupancy for high-value properties in Abuja, and mandatory regular reporting to security agencies. He described these conditions as unrealistic and inconsistent with constitutional provisions on bail.

Citing legal precedent, Wala referenced the Court of Appeal decision in Dasuki v. DSS, which held that bail conditions must not amount to punishment but should only ensure the defendant’s appearance in court.

He also alleged that political and institutional interests may be influencing the case, warning against the use of security and judicial processes for vendetta or political settlement.

Wala urged the court to urgently vary the bail conditions to more reasonable terms and called for strict adherence to the constitutional presumption of innocence.