The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said that Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, is facing strict bail conditions before securing release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since 19 February over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna governor between 2015 and 2023.
On 13 April, the ICPC arraigned the former governor before the Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the el-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) announced that it had engaged a United States-based advocacy firm to spearhead an international campaign concerning the ongoing trial of the former Kaduna governor.
Mohammed Salihu, director of strategic partnerships for ERSGA, said the group had retained Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based organisation, to engage policymakers, democracy advocates and international stakeholders on issues surrounding el-Rufai’s prosecution.
Speaking to journalists after an event, Sanusi alleged that authorities demanded that an emir and a senior government official stand surety for el-Rufai before his release could be granted.
“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 in Hausa.
“They stated that an emir and a senior government worker must sign his bail.”
The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also expressed concern over what he described as the declining social and cultural standing of northern Nigeria.
Sanusi said poverty has long existed in the region, but northerners historically maintained their dignity and placed their trust in God 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 added that northerners no longer command the same level of influence and acceptance they once held in national politics.
“Previously, a northerner was widely accepted to lead the entire nation, but today, northerners are no longer viewed differently from anyone else,” he said.