Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has said former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, may remain in custody until after the election.
Naijaonpoint reports that Abati spoke on Wednesday during Arise Television’s Morning Show, while reacting to the bail conditions imposed on the former governor.
Abati said the conditions were tough, noting that El-Rufai was required to produce a Level 17 official from the Federal Capital Territory as surety.
He said, “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.
“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.”
Abati noted that the case involved allegations of wiretapping and corruption, adding that proceedings had been adjourned until September.
“It’s a very complex case because he has issues with regard to wiretapping, issues with regard to, you know, other allegations about corruption, about what he did, and then the case has been postponed till September,” he said.
The former presidential aide said the matter appeared to have both legal and political dimensions.
Abati said, “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.”
He added that the court had the discretion to impose bail conditions, even if the defendant was unable to meet them.
