Court grants El-Rufai ₦200m bail as separate Kaduna case stalls

A Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted bail to former governor Nasir El-Rufai as he faces multiple corruption charges filed by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency.

El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over a 10-count charge bordering on alleged corrupt practices and abuse of office.

In his ruling, Justice Rilwan Aikawa held that the charges against the former governor are bailable, paving the way for his release under strict conditions. However, the court ordered that he remain in ICPC custody until those conditions are fully met.

According to details shared after the hearing, the bail terms include a ₦200 million bond and two sureties of equal value. One of the sureties must be a recognised traditional ruler, while the other must be a senior federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15.

Additional conditions require the submission of landed property documents, the surrender of international passports, and a commitment not to make public statements about the case while it is ongoing.

Although the proceedings drew significant public interest, journalists were barred from entering the courtroom, and defence lawyers declined to comment immediately after the session.

Parallel state case delayed amid judicial absence

While the federal case moved forward, a separate corruption case against El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court was stalled.

The matter, which involves a nine-count charge also linked to alleged abuse of office, was adjourned to April 21 following the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, who was reportedly bereaved.

The development means El-Rufai is currently navigating parallel legal battles at both federal and state levels, a situation that could prolong the legal process and keep the former governor in court for weeks to come.

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The case is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched anti-corruption trials in recent months, given El-Rufai’s political profile and influence within Nigeria’s power structure.