Former presidential aide and veteran journalist, Reuben Abati, has suggested that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, may remain in custody until after the election as legal proceedings against him continue.
Speaking on Wednesday during The Morning Show on Arise Television, Abati said the case appears to involve both legal and political considerations.
He noted that El-Rufai has been unable to meet one of the key conditions attached to his bail, which requires him to provide a Level 17 official from the Federal Capital Territory as a surety.
According to Abati, efforts to persuade the court to review or relax the bail conditions have so far been unsuccessful.
The veteran broadcaster also highlighted the complexity of the case, citing allegations ranging from wiretapping to corruption and other related offences.
He further observed that the matter has been adjourned until September, a development that could prolong El-Rufai’s detention.
“The bail conditions for El-Rufai are very stringent, but there is more to the matter. There is also politics involved,” Abati said.
He explained that the former governor had informed the court that he was unable to secure the required Level 17 FCT official, while the court had declined to modify the conditions.
Abati added that, given the nature of the allegations and the timing of the adjournment, it appears unlikely that any move would be made to secure El-Rufai’s release before the election.
While stressing that political considerations may be influencing the situation, he maintained that the judiciary has the authority to determine bail conditions and that such decisions must be respected.
“We cannot challenge the court in terms of what it decides. It is within the court’s discretion to set bail conditions, and he says he cannot meet one of the principal requirements,” Abati stated.
