Atiku Abubakar Criticizes Federal High Court Bail Conditions for Nasir El-Rufai

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, criticized the Federal High Court's decision not to review bail conditions set for former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. A statement issued Tuesday in Abuja said the conditions are practically impossible to satisfy.

The statement argued that the refusal raises questions about constitutional liberties and the administration of justice.

The statement noted that courts have authority to set bail conditions but said such discretion must be exercised judicially. Conditions described as excessive or impossible to fulfill were characterized as amounting to detention through procedural means.

"The law is settled that an accused person remains innocent until proven guilty. Bail exists to preserve that constitutional protection," the statement said.

The statement questioned requirements that include producing a serving Grade Level 17 federal civil servant who owns property in Maitama or Asokoro. It warned that such conditions extend beyond one case and affect principles of democratic governance.

"This is not merely about one individual. It is about the principles that underpin a democratic society governed by the rule of law," the statement continued. The statement urged the judiciary to ensure justice remains accessible and expressed concern over an emerging pattern affecting opposition figures and government critics.