A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted bail to the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.
The presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, admitted the former governor to bail in the sum of N100 million.
The court ruling followed the arraignment of the politician over an “alleged breach of national security”.
In his ruling on the application filed by the defense team, Justice Aikawa stated that the offense is bailable under the Nigerian constitution.
The judge ordered that the defendant must provide two reliable sureties in like sum as part of the bail conditions.
According to the court, one of the sureties must be a recognized traditional ruler within the jurisdiction.
The second surety must be a federal civil servant who has attained at least Grade Level 15 in the civil service.
Justice Aikawa also directed the former governor to deposit his international passport with the court registrar.
The court further ruled that the politician must remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission pending the complete fulfillment of his bail conditions.
The former governor was arrested by security operatives following investigations into his past administrative activities and alleged national security infractions.
His legal team had argued for his release, noting that their client would not jump bail and would be available to face his trial.
The prosecution counsel had initially opposed the application, citing the sensitive nature of the charges against the former state chief executive.
The defense lawyers expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that they would work immediately to perfect the bail conditions for their client.
The court has adjourned the matter to a later date for the commencement of the main trial.