In a significant legal development today, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted bail to the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The trial judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, admitted the former governor to bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum. Despite the ruling, the court ordered that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the anti-graft agency until the strict conditions of his release are fully satisfied.
Bail Conditions and Restrictions
The court outlined several rigorous requirements that must be met before the former governor can regain his freedom:
- Sureties: One surety must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15, while the second must be a recognized traditional ruler.
- Documentation: Both sureties are required to submit their international passports to the court.
- Conduct: The court explicitly barred El-Rufai from making any public comments regarding the ongoing case and mandated his attendance at all future proceedings.
Background of the Charges
The ICPC’s case against El-Rufai involves an amended nine-count charge including allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct during his tenure as governor (2015–2023). Key allegations include:
- The unauthorized release of approximately ₦11 billion for a light rail project that was allegedly never executed.
- The receipt of over ₦289.8 million in severance allowances, an amount said to be significantly higher than the legally approved limit.
- The alleged mismanagement of a $1.08 million World Bank loan granted to Kaduna State.
Related Proceedings
While the Federal High Court has granted bail, El-Rufai faces a parallel legal battle at the Kaduna State High Court. On Monday, April 13, Justice Darius Khobo reserved his ruling on a separate bail application in that court until April 21, 2026.
Following today’s proceedings, El-Rufai’s son, Bello El-Rufai, and ADC chieftain Hayatudeen Makarfi confirmed the bail decision, acknowledging the extensive nature of the conditions. The former governor has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that the allegations are unfounded.
