The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in a corruption case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The presiding judge, Rilwanu Aikawa, delivered the ruling on Tuesday after adjourning the matter from April 1 to April 14, 2026, to consider submissions from both the prosecution and defence.
Justice Aikawa granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum but ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending the fulfilment of the conditions.
According to the court, the sureties must deposit their international passports, with one required to be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and the other a recognised traditional ruler.
The court also barred the former governor from making public comments on the case and mandated his attendance at all court proceedings.
Counsel to El-Rufai, Ubong Akpan, declined to comment when approached by journalists after the hearing. 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 include financial requirements, landed property, and the involvement of a traditional ruler as surety. He added that the former governor would remain in custody until all conditions are met.
Meanwhile, proceedings in a separate corruption case involving El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court have been adjourned to April 21, 2026, further prolonging his legal challenges.
