Justice Rilwanu Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Tuesday granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in N200 million with two sureties in like sum, describing the conditions as “strict and extensive” over alleged corruption charges filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Justice Aikawa, however, directed that the sureties are to deposit their passports with the court while el-Rufial should remain in the custody of the ICPC until the bail conditions have been met.
The trial judge gave the ruling during a resumed hearing during which he considered arguments from both the prosecution and defence.
Also, he ruled that one of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15, while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler.
El-Rufai is also restrained from making public comments on the case and must attend all court sittings.
Ubong Akpan, declined comment when approached by journalists shortly after proceedings.
El-Rufai’s son, Bello El-Rufai, confirmed that his father had been granted bail.
Also, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hayatudeen Makarfi, corroborated Bello, saying the bail conditions include financial requirements, landed property, and the involvement of a recognised traditional ruler as surety.
Earlier, proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court in a related matter were stalled as the court adjourned ruling on el-Rufai’s bail application to April 21, 2026.
The adjournment followed the inability of the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, to deliver the ruling as earlier scheduled.
The ICPC had dragged El-Rufai alongside the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, Amadu Sule, before the Kaduna State High Court under Charge No. KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26 , on March 18, 2026.
The initial charges were on alleged abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage but amended on Monday, dropping Sule from the case and narrowing the trial to only el-Rufai.
Speaking after the adjournment, Akpan said the development was due to circumstances beyond the court’s control.
“His Lordship was bereaved and he was unable to put the ruling together. So, we understand these things happen.
“So, the ruling has been adjourned to Tuesday next week. The ruling on the motion for bail. So, fingers crossed.”
Akpan, however, accused the ICPC of engaging in phased litigation against his client, adding that proceedings were now ongoing in both the state and federal courts.
Shortly after the Kaduna State High Court session, el-Rufai was moved to the Federal High Court, where he was arraigned on a separate 10-count charge before Justice Aikawa.
