UPDATED: El-Rufai secures bail in Federal High Court as Kaduna case adjourned to April 21

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on Tuesday secured bail from a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna after spending nearly two months in detention.

Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the bail after hearing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution, but ordered that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) until he fulfils the bail conditions.

His lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), urged the court to grant bail on the grounds that it is a constitutional right and argued that the former governor has strong ties within Nigeria and is not a flight risk. However, the ICPC opposed the application, insisting that releasing him could allow interference with witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations.

The court eventually imposed strict bail conditions, including a N200 million bond with two sureties in like sum. One surety must be a recognised traditional ruler, while the other must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15. The court also ordered the submission of landed property documents, deposit of his international passport, and a restriction on public comments relating to the case, among other conditions.

A family member, Bello El-Rufai, said efforts were ongoing to meet the requirements, noting that the conditions were numerous but manageable.

El-Rufai is facing a 10-count charge filed by the ICPC at the Federal High Court involving allegations of conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, and abuse of office. His legal troubles began after his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, after which he was later re-arrested by the ICPC and held in custody for weeks before arraignment. He was briefly released on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother before being returned to custody after her burial.

In a separate case at the Kaduna State High Court, Justice Darius Khobo adjourned ruling on another bail application to April 21, 2026. The defence said it needed time to study an amended charge filed by the ICPC, while also noting that the judge had been unable to conclude the ruling due to bereavement.

El-Rufai is also facing additional charges at the state level bordering on abuse of office, fraud, and alleged conferral of undue advantage. Security presence was heavy at the court premises as proceedings continued.