Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, warning that bail conditions should not be used as a form of punishment before a court reaches a verdict.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku argued that while courts have the authority to set bail conditions, such requirements should remain reasonable and attainable.
According to him, imposing conditions that are difficult or nearly impossible to meet defeats the purpose of granting bail and undermines the principle that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty.
“Bail was never designed to become a sophisticated instrument for punishment before conviction.”
The former vice president questioned the strict conditions attached to El-Rufai’s bail, suggesting that they could make his release practically unattainable.
Atiku further warned that the issue goes beyond one individual and touches on broader concerns about civil liberties, the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system.
He stressed that the judiciary plays a vital role in protecting citizens’ rights and must avoid actions that could create the impression that justice is inaccessible.
According to him, bail conditions should be aimed at ensuring defendants appear in court and not at keeping them behind bars before trial.
The opposition leader also cautioned against any perception that legal processes are being used to target political opponents or suppress dissenting voices.
“Today it is El-Rufai. Tomorrow it could be any citizen.”
Atiku maintained that constitutional rights such as liberty, fair hearing and the presumption of innocence must be protected at all times.
His remarks come after a Federal High Court declined an application seeking a review of El-Rufai’s bail conditions.
Source: Statement by Atiku Abubakar
