Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been granted bail by the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, while a separate bail application at the Kaduna State High Court has been adjourned to April 21, 2026.
The Federal High Court approved bail with strict conditions, including a ₦200 million bond and two sureties. One surety must provide a Certificate of Occupancy for landed property, while the other must be a respected elder verified by the Kaduna State Council of Elders. The court also ordered that El-Rufai and his legal team refrain from granting media interviews during the trial. Additionally, he must report monthly to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and surrender his passport.
Meanwhile, proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court were adjourned after the presiding judge postponed the bail ruling. El-Rufai had earlier appeared before the court, but the matter did not proceed as planned.
The ICPC had arraigned El-Rufai on a nine-count charge involving alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering. The charges were amended to separate his case from that of a co-defendant who was absent due to health reasons. Following the amendment, the court allowed the prosecution to proceed independently.
El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all charges. Security was visibly heightened around the court premises during the proceedings, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case.
