Amanze Chinonye
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai in the sum of N100 million, with one surety in like sum, in a case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged national security breaches.
The former governor is being prosecuted by the DSS over allegations relating to national security infractions, including claims tied to remarks he reportedly made concerning surveillance activities involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. He, however, is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
Delivering the ruling on the bail application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik imposed stringent conditions aimed at ensuring compliance and securing the defendant’s attendance in court throughout the trial.
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The court ordered that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and must reside within the Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja. The surety is also required to deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property with the court registry.
In addition, the court directed that the surety provide evidence of salary payments covering at least three months, supported by a verification letter from a bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction. The surety must also swear to an affidavit of means, execute a bail bond, and submit a recent passport photograph to the court registry.
As part of the bail conditions, El-Rufai is required to surrender all valid international passports to the court. He must also submit a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months, as well as a verification letter from the surety’s immediate department.
The court further ordered the former governor to report to the DSS headquarters on the last Friday of every month by 10 a.m. to sign the attendance register pending the conclusion of the case.
Justice Abdulmalik warned that any violation of the bail terms would result in its automatic revocation. She also directed that the case be given accelerated hearing.
The matter was adjourned to a later date for continuation of trial proceedings.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
