The Federal High Court has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who has been in detention over corruption allegations brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Although the full bail conditions were not immediately made public as of press time, the ruling marks a major development in the high-profile corruption case against the former governor.
El-Rufai’s bail comes shortly after he appeared before a Kaduna State High Court under tight security for continuation of proceedings in a related bail application also filed by the ICPC.
Court proceedings had earlier drawn intense public attention, with journalists reportedly barred from entering the courtroom during sittings, further fuelling speculation about the direction of the trial.
The case had previously been delayed after the prosecution introduced an amended nine-count charge, which significantly altered the original allegations.
The amended charge, initially filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule, later dropped Sule as a co-defendant, leaving the former governor as the sole defendant.
El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), had earlier described the amended charges as unexpected and procedurally disruptive.
“The charges are entirely new to us. They were given to us this morning while we were already in court. That is why the matter could not proceed,” Akpan said.
Justice Darius Khobo had earlier adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, which has now resulted in the Federal High Court granting bail.
The charges against El-Rufai are extensive and stem from his time in office. They include allegations that he induced the Kaduna State Government to release about N11 billion for a light rail project allegedly paid to an unregistered entity for work that was never executed.
The ICPC also accused him of approving and receiving about N289.8 million as severance allowance above legally permitted limits.
Further allegations include the alleged mismanagement of over $1.08 million from a World Bank loan, unlawful award of a N4.6 billion CCTV contract in Kaduna metropolis, and conspiracy to bribe federal investigators.
El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations.
In another pending matter, he is also facing a separate 10-count charge before the Federal High Court bordering on money laundering and unlawful possession of public property.
Reacting to the development, a member of his legal team said the ruling was a welcome step, though they maintained confidence in his eventual clearance.
“We are satisfied with today’s ruling. It affirms our position that the process must follow due legal standards, and we will continue to defend our client vigorously,” the defence counsel said.
The ICPC has not yet issued an official statement on the bail ruling as of press time.
SAHARAREPORTERS