The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai is facing unusually stringent bail conditions in his ongoing trial over alleged financial impropriety.
Speaking to journalists after an event on Wednesday, Sanusi claimed that authorities required an emir and a senior government official to stand surety before el-Rufai could be released from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
"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."
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
On April 13, the anti-corruption agency arraigned him before the Kaduna State High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.
Meanwhile, the el-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) announced on Wednesday that it had engaged Vanguard Africa, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organisation, to lead an international campaign over the former governor's prosecution.
Mohammed Salihu, ERSGA's Director of Strategic Partnerships, said the organisation would engage policymakers, democracy advocates, and other international stakeholders on developments surrounding the case.
Sanusi also expressed concern over what he described as the declining social and cultural standing of Northern Nigeria.
"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.
He argued that the region's biggest challenge extends beyond economic hardship.
"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."
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) further said Northerners no longer enjoy the level of political acceptance they once had.
"Previously, a northerner was widely accepted to lead the entire nation, but today, northerners are no longer viewed differently from anyone else," he added.
