Court Grants El-Rufai N200m Bail in ICPC Corruption Case
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa approved bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like amount. The judge described the conditions as strict, adding that the former governor must remain in ICPC custody until all requirements are fully met.
As part of the bail terms, the court directed that the sureties must deposit their international passports. One of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15, while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler.
The court also barred El-Rufai from making public statements related to the case and ordered him to attend all court proceedings.
Reacting briefly, his son, Bello El-Rufai, confirmed that bail had been granted, noting that the family was working to meet the conditions.
The case had earlier been adjourned from April 1 to April 14, 2026, to allow the court to consider arguments from both the prosecution and defence.
In a related development, proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court were also delayed earlier in the day, as another judge adjourned ruling on a separate bail application involving the former governor to April 21.
El-Rufai was arraigned on March 18, 2026, alongside Amadu Sule, Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, on charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The trial is expected to continue as the court process unfolds.
