Nasir El-Rufai Granted N100m Bail as Court Imposes Tough Conditions in National Security Case

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been granted bail in the sum of N100 million by the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations linked to national security breaches.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on Monday, setting out strict conditions that must be fulfilled before the former governor can regain his freedom.

The court ordered that El-Rufai’s surety must live within either Maitama or Asokoro in Abuja and provide the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property to the court registry. The surety must also be a federal civil servant on Grade Level 17 or above.

In addition, the court directed the surety to submit evidence of at least three months’ salary payments authenticated by a bank manager operating within the court’s jurisdiction. The surety is also expected to file an affidavit of means, sign a bail bond, and provide a recent passport photograph.

Justice Abdulmalik further ordered El-Rufai to surrender all valid international passports pending the conclusion of the trial. The court also demanded a verification letter from the surety’s department alongside a six-month tax clearance certificate.

As part of the bail conditions, the former Kaduna governor must report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register until the case is determined.

The judge warned that failure to comply with any of the conditions would lead to the automatic revocation of the bail granted to the former governor.

The ruling followed El-Rufai’s arraignment by the Department of State Services over an amended five-count charge bordering on alleged breach of national security. The DSS had initially arraigned him on April 23, where he pleaded not guilty.

During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that an amended five-count charge had replaced the earlier three-count case. One of the charges accused El-Rufai of allegedly intercepting communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the prosecution, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during an appearance on Arise TV that he intercepted the communication in February 2026, an act said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.

El-Rufai, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts, while his legal team also filed an application asking the court to quash the amended charges. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing.