Freedom for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, may not come soon as his attempt to secure a relaxation of the bail conditions earlier imposed on him by the Federal High Court in Abuja has failed.
Ruling on the request by El-Rufai for review on Tuesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the application and maintained the original bail conditions.
The judge held that the court saw no sufficient reason to alter the earlier decision, insisting that individuals capable of meeting the requirements are available.
By this development, the former Governor will remain in custody pending his ability to meet the existing bail requirements.
Recall, El-Rufai had approached the court through his counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), asking for a review of the conditions attached to his bail, arguing that the terms were excessively strict and difficult to satisfy within a reasonable time.
The former Governor’s legal team had argued that some of the conditions, especially the requirement for sureties who must be level 17 civil servants with landed properties in high-profile areas of Abuja, specifically Maitama or Asokoro.
The Team also pointed out that the additional requirement involving verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State traditional council is very difficult to fulfil, insisting that the condition placed unnecessary obstacles.
In their argument, the Counsel to the prosecution, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), argued that the conditions were not impossible to meet, stressing that qualified public officers who fit the court’s requirements exist.
He therefore urged the court to dismiss El-Rufai’s request.
Meanwhile, proceedings continued in the alleged wiretapping case filed against the former Kaduna governor on Tuesday with the Department of State Services (DSS) officially closinh its case against El-Rufai.
To this end, El-Rufai’s legal team informed the court of its intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish a strong enough case to warrant further proceedings against the former governor.
The defence requested two weeks to file its application, while the prosecution also asked for two weeks to study and respond to the submission.
Justice Abdulmalik therefore adjourned the matter until September 22 for hearing of the no-case submission and continuation of proceedings.
