The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai is being subjected to stringent bail conditions in his ongoing corruption case before he can secure his release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
The former governor was arraigned on April 13 before a Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Speaking to journalists after an event on Wednesday, June 17, Sanusi criticised the conditions attached to El-Rufai’s release, claiming that the authorities had imposed unusually difficult requirements.
“For example, look at what is happening with my brother, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai. He is currently in custody, and the requirements for his release are incredibly difficult,” Sanusi said.
“They stated that an emir and a senior government official must sign his bail.”
Sanusi’s comments came as the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) announced that it had engaged a United States-based advocacy organisation to spearhead an international campaign over the former governor’s prosecution.
Mohammed Salihu, Director of Strategic Partnerships at ERSGA, said the group had retained Vanguard Africa, a Washington, D.C.-based organisation, to engage policymakers, democracy advocates and other international stakeholders on developments surrounding the case.
Beyond El-Rufai’s legal troubles, Sanusi also expressed concern over what he described as the declining social, cultural and political standing of northern Nigeria.
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) acknowledged that poverty had long been a challenge in the region but argued that northerners had traditionally maintained their dignity and resilience despite economic hardship.
“Regarding the north, we all know that poverty has been a long-standing issue here. Yet, despite their poverty, northern people value and respect themselves, leaving everything in the hands of Almighty God,” he said.
“What is troubling the north is not just a lack of money, but the erosion of our culture, the testing of our patience, and the continuous attempt to copy other cultures across this country.”
Sanusi further lamented what he described as the declining political influence of northern Nigeria, saying the region was gradually losing its place and acceptance within the country’s political landscape.
