The Federal High Court has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is being prosecuted over alleged corruption by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
The court set the bail condition at ₦200 million, with two sureties required.
The court added that one of the sureties must provide a Certificate of Occupancy for landed property, while the other is to be a recognised elder in Kaduna State, subject to verification by the Kaduna State Council of Elders.
The court further directed that Mr El-Rufai and his legal team refrain from granting media interviews until the conclusion of the trial.
He was also ordered to report to the ICPC on the first day of every month and to deposit his international passport with the court.
Mr El-Rufai’s bail comes hours after he appeared before the Kaduna State High Court under tight security for the continuation of proceedings on his bail application in a separate but related corruption case instituted by the ICPC.
Security was heightened at the court premises during the proceedings, reflecting public and political interest in the case. Journalists were also barred from accessing the courtroom.
The case had earlier been delayed after the prosecution introduced an amended nine-count charge against the former governor. The initial charge, which included one Amadu Sule as co-defendant, was revised to make El-Rufai the sole defendant.
Counsel to the defendant, Ubong Akpan (SAN), had told journalists that the defence team was served the amended charges in court without prior notice, necessitating an adjournment.
Justice Darius Khobo subsequently adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application, which has now been granted.
The charges against El-Rufai stem from his tenure as governor and include allegations of inducing the Kaduna State Government to release about N11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was not executed.
The ICPC also alleged that he approved and received about N289.8 million as severance allowance above the legally permitted amount.
Other allegations include the alleged mismanagement of over $1.08 million from a World Bank loan, unlawful award of a N4.6 billion CCTV contract in Kaduna metropolis in breach of procurement laws, and conspiracy to bribe federal investigators.
El-Rufai has denied all allegations.
He is also facing a separate 10-count charge before the Federal High Court, where he was earlier arraigned before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on allegations bordering on money laundering, as well as conversion and possession of public property.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Police uncover fake diplomatic govt number plate network in FCT
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has recovered vandalised public infrastructure from suspected vandals. The command also uncovered a network involved in the illegal production and use of fake diplomatic and official government number plates. The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the command…
-
Stop building unnecessary flyovers, Tinubu tells governors
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised state governors to prioritise the construction of roads over flyovers in locations with little traffic, saying improved federal allocations should be invested in projects that enhance the quality of life and strengthen security and access to underserved communities. The President said states now receive between four and five…
-
INSECURITY: US intervention in Nigeria questionable – Tukur Baba, ACF spokesperson
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas •Asks: What did the bombing achieve? •Optimistic that a viable Nigeria is possible By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, speaks on the achievements, challenges and future of the organisation, Nigeria’s insecurity and relations with other socio-cultural groups. Excerpts: About two decades after…
