The requirements for El-rufai’s release are incredibly difficult — Sanusi

The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai is facing stringent bail conditions in his ongoing corruption case before he can be released from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

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El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

The former governor was arraigned on April 13 before a Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office. He has denied any wrongdoing. Speaking to journalists after an event on Wednesday, June 17, Sanusi criticised the conditions attached to El-Rufai’s release, claiming authorities had imposed unusually difficult requirements.

“For example, look at what is happening with my brother, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai. He is currently in custody, and the requirements for his release are incredibly difficult,” Sanusi said. “They stated that an emir and a senior government worker must sign his bail.”

The comments came as the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) announced that it had engaged a United States-based advocacy organisation to lead an international campaign concerning the former governor’s prosecution.

Mohammed Salihu, Director of Strategic Partnerships at ERSGA, said the group had retained Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based organisation, to engage policymakers, democracy advocates and international stakeholders on developments surrounding the case.

Beyond the legal issues involving El-Rufai, Sanusi also expressed concern over what he described as the declining social, cultural and political standing of northern Nigeria. The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said poverty had long existed in the region but argued that northerners traditionally maintained dignity and resilience despite economic hardship.

“Regarding the north, we all know that poverty has been a long-standing issue here. Yet, despite their poverty, northern people value and respect themselves, leaving everything in the hands of Almighty God,” he said. “What is troubling the north is not just a lack of money, but the erosion of our culture, the testing of our patience, and the continuous attempt to copy other cultures across this country.”

Sanusi further lamented what he described as a decline in the political influence and acceptance of northerners within Nigeria.