The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in the corruption case filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Delivering ruling on Tuesday, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa admitted the former governor to bail in the sum of ₦200 million, with two sureties in like sum. The decision followed arguments from both the prosecution and defence, after the matter was earlier adjourned from April 1 to April 14, 2026.
However, the court ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody until all bail conditions are fully met.
As part of the conditions, the sureties are required to deposit their international passports with the court. 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 restricted the former governor from making any public comments relating to the case and directed him to attend all court sittings throughout the trial.
Following the ruling, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Akpan, declined to speak with journalists. However, his son, Bello El-Rufai, confirmed that bail had been granted.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Hayatudeen Lawal Makarfi, also confirmed the development, noting that the bail conditions were strict and must be fully satisfied before El-Rufai can regain his freedom.
In a related matter, a separate bail ruling involving El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court was adjourned to April 21, 2026, prolonging the former governor’s ongoing legal challenges.
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