Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has suggested that the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, may not be driven solely by legal considerations, arguing that politics could also be playing a role in the unfolding situation.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, June 23, Abati said recent developments in the case point to a complex mix of legal accountability and political realities.
His comments followed the court’s refusal to relax El-Rufai’s bail conditions, despite arguments from the defence that some of the requirements were difficult to fulfil.
According to Abati, one of the major obstacles facing the former governor is the requirement to provide a Level 17 official from the Federal Capital Territory as part of his bail conditions.
He noted that El-Rufai has reportedly indicated that he cannot meet that particular condition, while the court has declined to modify the terms.
“The bail conditions for El-Rufai, yes, they are very stringent, but the way I see it, there is more involved. There is also politics involved.
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“He’s been told to look for a level 17 official from the federal capital territory. He says he doesn’t have. The court is not willing to vary the conditions for him.
“It’s a very complex case because he has issues with regard to wire tapping, issues with regard to, you know, other allegations about corruption, about what he did, and then the case has been postponed till September.
“So the way it looks in terms of real politics, I don’t think they will do anything about releasing Nasir El-Rufai until after the election.
“You should just know that this is politics, but this is also about responsibility and accountability.
“We cannot challenge the court in terms of what the court decides. It is within the discretion of the court to say these are the bail conditions, and he says he cannot meet at least one principal bail condition,” Abati said.
The case, which involves allegations including wiretapping and corruption-related offences, has been adjourned until September, leaving El-Rufai’s legal team to continue efforts to secure his release under the existing bail terms.