A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted conditional bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in an ongoing corruption trial brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The court ruled that the former governor must comply with strict conditions, including regular reporting to the anti-graft agency and restrictions on his movement.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ICPC explained that the bail decision is part of legal proceedings tied to allegations of corruption, fraud, and abuse of office during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023. The Commission emphasized that the case followed an extensive investigation into financial activities linked to his administration.
The court set bail at ₦200 million and required two sureties in the same amount. It specified that one surety must reside in Kaduna State and own property of equal value with a valid Certificate of Occupancy, while the second must be a respected community elder verified by an elders’ council. El-Rufai was also ordered to surrender his international passport and sign a written pledge not to interfere with witnesses involved in the case.
Further conditions include mandatory monthly visits to the ICPC headquarters on the first Monday of each month. The court also restricted him to a designated residence and ruled that any intention to relocate must be communicated to the court at least 72 hours in advance for approval.
Pending the fulfilment of these conditions, the court directed that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody. The Commission noted that the charges arise from what it described as a long-running investigation, which led to a 10-count charge filed against the former governor and a co-defendant, Joel Adoga.
According to the ICPC, El-Rufai is accused of receiving ₦289.8 million as severance allowance between 2020 and 2023, an amount significantly higher than the legally approved ₦20 million. He is also alleged to have received $797,900 into his domiciliary account from sources suspected to be linked to unlawful activities and to have participated in concealing the origin of $10,000 in 2019. Both defendants have denied all charges.
In a related development, a separate case before the Kaduna State High Court, where El-Rufai faces an amended nine-count charge involving fraud and abuse of office, was adjourned. Presiding judge Justice Darius Khobo stated that a ruling on the bail application in that matter was not yet ready, fixing April 21, 2026, for further proceedings.
The court also ordered that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the Commission pending the outcome of the bail request in the state case. The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to following due legal processes, assuring the public that the prosecution would continue transparently and in line with established procedures.
Observers noted that two separate court sittings were held in Kaduna on Tuesday—one at the Federal High Court, where bail was granted, and another at the State High Court, which adjourned its decision. The developments highlight the multiple legal challenges currently facing the former governor as both cases continue.
