The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in an ongoing corruption case brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, following the court’s earlier decision to adjourn proceedings from April 1 to April 14, 2026, in order to carefully review submissions from both the prosecution and defence teams.
In his decision, the judge granted bail to the former governor in the sum of N200 million, with two sureties required to provide an equivalent amount. However, the court directed that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the ICPC until all bail conditions are fully met.
The court outlined several stringent conditions attached to the bail. Among them, the two sureties must deposit their international passports with the court. Additionally, one of the sureties must be a serving civil servant not below Grade Level 15, while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler. These conditions are aimed at ensuring the defendant’s continued availability for trial.
Furthermore, the court placed restrictions on El-Rufai’s public engagements, specifically barring him from making any statements or comments relating to the case while it is ongoing. He was also ordered to attend all scheduled court sittings without fail.
Although his legal counsel, Ubong Akpan, declined to comment after the proceedings, confirmation of the bail was provided by his son, Bello El-Rufai. Additional confirmation also came from political stakeholders, who noted that the bail conditions include financial obligations and other requirements that must be fulfilled before his release.
As it stands, the former governor will remain in custody pending the completion of these conditions.
Meanwhile, in a related development, proceedings in another corruption case involving El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court have been adjourned to April 21, 2026. The adjournment means that his legal challenges are set to continue, as attention remains focused on the unfolding judicial process and its implications.
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