The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has raised concerns over the bail conditions reportedly attached to the ongoing corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, currently in 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 time as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
He was later arraigned on April 13 before a Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office. The former governor has consistently denied all allegations.
Speaking to journalists after a public event on Wednesday, June 17, Sanusi criticised what he described as unusually strict conditions attached to El-Rufai’s bail.
“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 worker must sign his bail.”
The remarks come as the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) announced it had engaged a United States-based advocacy organisation to internationalise concerns surrounding the case.
According to Mohammed Salihu, Director of Strategic Partnerships at ERSGA, the group has retained Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based organisation, to engage policymakers, democracy advocates, and other international stakeholders on developments in the prosecution.
Beyond the legal dispute, Sanusi also used the occasion to comment on broader social and political challenges in northern Nigeria, warning of what he described as a gradual erosion of cultural identity and influence.
He noted that while poverty has long affected the region, northern communities historically maintained 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 expressed concern over what he described as a declining political influence and acceptance of northerners within Nigeria, though he did not provide specific examples.
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