Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has failed in his attempt to secure a variation of the bail conditions imposed on him by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, declined El-Rufai’s application seeking a relaxation of the conditions attached to his bail, describing the existing requirements as valid and attainable.
El-Rufai, through his counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), had urged the court to review some of the bail conditions, arguing that they were excessively stringent and difficult to satisfy.
The defence particularly challenged the requirement that his sureties must be Level 17 civil servants with verifiable properties in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts. Erokoro also objected to the condition requiring verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
According to the defence, the conditions imposed an unnecessary burden on the defendant and should be modified to make compliance easier.
However, the prosecution, led by Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), opposed the application and argued that public officers who meet the stipulated requirements are available. He urged the court to dismiss the request and retain the existing bail terms.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the prosecution’s position and held that civil servants who own properties in the specified locations do exist. Consequently, the court refused to vary the bail conditions.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closed its case against El-Rufai in the ongoing wiretapping trial.
At the proceedings, Aladedoye informed the court that the prosecution would not be presenting any additional witnesses, prompting the formal closure of its case.
Following the development, Erokoro notified the court of the defence’s intention to file a no-case submission, contending that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence to warrant the defendant entering a defence.
The defence requested two weeks to prepare and file the application, while the prosecution sought a corresponding period to respond.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22 for the hearing of the no-case submission and further proceedings.
The forthcoming hearing is expected to determine whether the court finds sufficient evidence to require El-Rufai to open his defence or whether the charges against him should be dismissed at that stage of the trial.
