The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, is being subjected to unusually strict bail conditions in his ongoing corruption case with 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 tenure 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 the allegations.
Speaking with journalists after an event on Wednesday, June 17, Sanusi described the conditions attached to El-Rufai’s release as difficult and unusual.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) announced that it has engaged a United States-based advocacy organisation to mount an international campaign regarding the former governor’s prosecution. The group said it had retained Vanguard Africa, a Washington DC-based organisation, to engage global policymakers and democracy stakeholders on the matter.
Beyond the legal controversy, Sanusi also expressed concern about what he described as the declining cultural, social, and political influence of northern Nigeria.
He noted that while poverty has long been a challenge in the region, northern communities were traditionally known for resilience and dignity 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 lamented what he described as a steady decline in northern political influence and acceptance within Nigeria.