A Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday granted former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai bail of N200 million in a fresh corruption case brought by anti-graft agency, but ordered him to remain in custody until all conditions are met.
Justice Rilwanu Aikawa delivered the ruling after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams. The bail comes with two sureties in the same sum, described in court as “strict and extensive.” One surety must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15, while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler. Both sureties are required to deposit their passports with the court.
Additional conditions bar El-Rufai from making any public comments related to the case and mandate his regular attendance at all future court sittings. He must also fulfil financial requirements and provide landed property as part of the surety arrangements.
El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Ubong Akpan, declined to comment when approached by journalists after the ruling. However, the former governor’s son, Bello El-Rufai, confirmed that bail had been granted, while an African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Hayatudeen Makarfi, highlighted the multiple layers of conditions attached.
“He remains in ICPC custody pending compliance with the conditions,” Makarfi noted, underscoring the stringent nature of the terms.
The development followed El-Rufai’s arraignment on a separate 10-count charge at the Federal High Court after proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court were stalled earlier on Tuesday. At the state high court, a ruling on a related bail application was adjourned to April 21 due to the presiding judge’s bereavement.
El-Rufai was initially arraigned alongside another defendant on March 18 at the state high court on charges including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The ICPC later amended the charges, dropping the co-defendant and proceeding solely against the former governor.
Akpan had earlier described the adjournment at the state court as understandable, saying: “His Lordship was bereaved and he was unable to put the ruling together. So, we understand these things happen… fingers crossed.”
The former governor has been in ICPC custody since his arraignment as the agency pursues multiple cases against him.
The matter has now been adjourned for further proceedings.
