Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has been granted bail by a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna after nearly two months in detention, while a separate bail application before a Kaduna State High Court has been adjourned to April 21, 2026.
Justice Rilwan Aikawa, who presided over the Federal High Court proceedings, approved the bail request after listening to submissions from both the defence and prosecution.
He, however, ordered that the former governor remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending compliance with the bail conditions.
Lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), had argued that his client was entitled to bail as a constitutional right, stressing that El-Rufai’s strong local ties eliminate any risk of flight.
The prosecution opposed the application, warning that the former governor could interfere with witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations if released.
In granting bail, the court imposed strict conditions, including a N200 million bond with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties must include a recognised traditional ruler and a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15.
Additional requirements include submission of landed property documents, surrender of international passports, and a restriction on public commentary regarding the case.Reacting, Bello El-Rufai said the family was making efforts to meet the conditions, noting that they were extensive but achievable.
The ICPC had on March 18, 2026, filed a 10-count charge against El-Rufai bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, and abuse of office.
The former governor’s legal troubles began on February 16, 2026, following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Although he was initially granted bail, he was later re-arrested by the ICPC and remained in custody until his arraignment.
He was briefly released on March 27, 2026, on compassionate grounds after the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, but returned to custody after her burial.
Earlier proceedings were also marked by a failed attempt by the defence to have Justice Aikawa step down over alleged bias, a motion that was later withdrawn.
Meanwhile, at the Kaduna State High Court, Justice Darius Khobo adjourned ruling on a separate bail application to April 21, 2026.The adjournment followed the service of an amended charge on the defence team in court, necessitating time for review.
The ICPC revised the charge to nine counts and dropped a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, from the case.
Defence counsel, Ubong Akpan, explained that the delay was also due to the bereavement of the presiding judge, which prevented the preparation of the ruling.
El-Rufai is facing additional charges before the state high court, including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
Security was visibly tightened around the court premises, with armed operatives deployed at strategic points to maintain order and control access.
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