Sanusi raises concern over El-Rufai’s bail conditions, warns of North’s declining influence

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has expressed concern over what he described as stringent bail conditions imposed on former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, alleging that authorities demanded unusually high-level sureties before his release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Speaking in Hausa during an event in Kano, Sanusi said the conditions attached to el-Rufai’s bail were “extremely difficult,” claiming that an emir and a senior government official were required to stand as sureties.

“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. They stated that an emir and a senior government worker must sign his bail,” he said.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 over alleged financial misconduct linked to his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023. He was later arraigned before a Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office, allegations he has denied.

Sanusi’s remarks came amid renewed efforts by supporters of the former governor to internationalise the case. The El-Rufai Support Group Association recently announced that it had engaged a Washington DC-based advocacy organisation, Vanguard Africa, to interface with policymakers, democracy advocates and international stakeholders over the ongoing prosecution.

Beyond the legal issues surrounding el-Rufai, Sanusi lamented what he described as the gradual erosion of the North’s social values and political relevance.

He observed that while poverty has historically existed in the region, northerners had always maintained their dignity and relied on faith despite economic hardship.

According to him, the region’s greatest challenge is no longer poverty alone but the loss of its cultural identity and the increasing tendency to imitate other cultures.

Sanusi also expressed concern that the North no longer enjoys the level of national acceptance and political influence it once commanded, noting that the region’s standing in the country’s leadership landscape has diminished over time.