A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, but ordered him to remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) until he meets strict bail conditions in the corruption trial.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by trial judge Rilwanu Aikawa after the court earlier adjourned proceedings to consider arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams.
Justice Aikawa admitted the former governor to bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum, but directed that he remain in ICPC custody pending the fulfilment of the conditions attached to the El-Rufai bail approval.
According to the court, one of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15, while the second surety must be a recognised traditional ruler. The court also ordered that the sureties deposit their international passports with the court.
In addition, the court barred El-Rufai from making public comments relating to the case and directed him to attend all court sittings throughout the trial as part of the El-Rufai bail conditions.
Counsel to the former governor, Ubong Akpan, declined to comment after proceedings. However, his son, Bello El-Rufai, confirmed that bail had been granted but said the conditions must be fulfilled before his father can regain freedom.
Also confirming the development, African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Hayatudeen Lawal Makarfi said the El-Rufai bail conditions include financial requirements, landed property documentation and endorsement by a recognised traditional ruler as surety.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State High Court has fixed April 21, 2026, to rule on another bail application filed by El-Rufai in a separate corruption case, further extending the legal proceedings involving the former governor. 📰
