El-Rufai Receives N100 Million Bail in Alleged Wiretapping Trial

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai has been granted bail in his trial for alleged breach of national security.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on Monday that El‑Rufai may be released on bail of N100 million, with a surety posting an equal amount.

Under the bail conditions, the surety must live in either the Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and provide the court with the original Certificate of Occupancy for a landed property. The surety must also be a federal civil servant at Grade Level 17 or higher, and must submit proof of salary payments for at least three months, authenticated by a letter from the manager of a bank within the court’s jurisdiction.

Additional requirements for the surety include an affidavit of means, a bail bond, and a recent passport photograph to be filed with the court registry. The court also requires a verification letter from the surety’s immediate department and a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months.

Justice Abdulmalik directed that El‑Rufai deposit all valid international passports with the court and may travel only with the court’s permission. She also ordered that he report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) every last Friday of the month at 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register until the case is determined. Non‑compliance will result in automatic revocation of bail.

The court further instructed the defendant to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council. Justice Abdulmalik has also ordered that the trial be expedited.