Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was granted bail on Tuesday by a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, bringing to an end a detention that lasted nearly two months.
Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted bail to the former governor after hearing arguments from both the defense and prosecution.
However, he was ordered to stay in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) awaiting the completion of the bail terms.
El-Rufai’s main counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), had urged the court to grant his client bail, stating that it is a constitutional right and that the former governor had significant relationships within Nigeria, making him unlikely to flee.
The prosecution, lead by the ICPC, opposed the application, stating worries that if released, the defendant would interfere with witnesses or disrupt existing investigations.
The court then granted bail with stiff terms, including a N200 million bond with two sureties in the same amount.
The sureties must comprise a recognized traditional ruler and a federal government servant with a minimum grade level of 15.
Other limitations include submitting landed property records, depositing international passports with the court, and restricting public comments on the case, among others.
A family member of the previous governor, Bello El-Rufai, informed reporters that steps were ongoing to meet the requirements.
“The conditions are many, close to 10 or more, but we hope to fulfill them,” he said.
On March 18, the ICPC filed a 10-count case against El-Rufai in the Federal High Court, alleging conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, and abuse of office.
El-Rufai’s legal struggle began on February 16, when he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Although he was first given bail, he was then re-arrested by the ICPC and held in detention for several weeks before being charged.
On March 27, the ICPC granted him temporary parole on humanitarian grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.
He was, however, returned to detention following her funeral.
The proceedings were further muddled when the defense filed a motion seeking Justice Aikawa to recuse himself due to alleged bias, which was eventually withdrawn.
Meanwhile, at the Kaduna State High Court, proceedings in a separate case took a different turn when the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, postponed the decision on El-Rufai’s bail plea to April 21, 2026.
Counsel for the prisoner informed the court that the defense team had been presented with a revised charge in court and needed time to review its contents.
The prosecution, also led by the ICPC, submitted an amended nine-count indictment that changed the scope of the case and removed a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, from the trial.
Defense counsel, Ubong Akpan, noted that the adjournment was also owing to the court’s inability to deliver the verdict on time, citing the presiding judge’s bereavement.
“His lordship was bereaved, and he was unable to put the ruling together. So, we understand these things happen,” Akpan said, adding that the defense remains optimistic ahead of the next hearing date.
El-Rufai is facing various allegations in the Kaduna State High Court, including abuse of office, fraud, intent to conduct fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
There was a substantial security presence on the court grounds, with armed personnel stationed at crucial spots to maintain order and limit movement.
