A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted bail in the sum of ₦200 million to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in an ongoing corruption case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, followed arguments from both prosecution and defence in a case bordering on allegations including fraud and abuse of office.
The court admitted El-Rufai to bail with stringent conditions, including the provision of two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a senior civil servant not below Grade Level 15, while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler. Both are required to deposit their international passports with the court.
Additionally, the former governor is barred from making public comments about the case and must attend all court proceedings.
Despite the bail approval, the court ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody until all conditions are fully met, effectively delaying his release.
The charges against him stem from a multi-count indictment filed by the ICPC, with El-Rufai having pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
In a related development, a separate proceeding before the Kaduna State High Court suffered a delay, as Justice Darius Khobo adjourned ruling on another bail application involving El-Rufai to April 21, 2026.
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The adjournment adds another layer to the former governor’s mounting legal challenges, with parallel cases progressing in both federal and state courts.
El-Rufai’s legal team expressed cautious optimism following the bail ruling, while associates confirmed that efforts were underway to meet the conditions required for his release.
The developments mark a significant turn in the high-profile case, as judicial proceedings continue across multiple fronts.
