By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the sum of N100 million over allegations involving the illegal bugging of the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the bail application but imposed strict conditions the defendant must meet pending the determination of the case filed by the Department of State Services.
According to the court, the surety must provide a bond in like sum and must reside in either the Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja. The judge further directed that the surety must submit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property to the court registry.
The court also ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and present proof of salary payments covering at least three months.
As part of the conditions attached to the bail, El-Rufai was ordered to surrender all valid international passports to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik further instructed the surety to submit a verification letter from his or her department alongside a tax clearance certificate for the last six months.
In addition, the former governor was directed to report to the headquarters of the DSS every last Friday of the month at 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register until the matter is concluded.
The judge warned that any violation of the conditions would result in the automatic revocation of the bail granted to the former governor.
