Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has been granted bail by a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna after spending nearly two months in detention.
The ruling was given on Tuesday by Rilwan Aikawa after listening to arguments from both the defence and prosecution.
However, the court ordered that El-Rufai should remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) until he meets the bail conditions.
His lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, had asked the court to grant him bail, arguing that it is his constitutional right and that he has strong ties in Nigeria, making it unlikely for him to run away.
The prosecution, led by the ICPC, opposed the request. It argued that he could interfere with witnesses or affect ongoing investigations if released.
The court later granted bail with strict conditions. These include a bond of ₦200 million with two sureties in the same amount.
The sureties must include a recognised traditional ruler and a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15. Other conditions include submitting documents of landed property, depositing international passports with the court, and avoiding public comments about the case.
A family member, Bello El-Rufai, told journalists that efforts are being made to meet the conditions.
“The conditions are many, close to 10 or more, but we hope to fulfil them,” he said.
The ICPC had earlier filed a 10-count charge against El-Rufai on March 18, including allegations of conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, and abuse of office.
His legal issues began on February 16 when he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Although he was first granted bail, he was later re-arrested by the ICPC and remained in custody for weeks.
On March 27, the ICPC granted him temporary release on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma, in Cairo, Egypt. He was returned to custody after her burial.
In another development, a Kaduna State High Court adjourned ruling on a separate bail application to April 21, 2026.
The presiding judge, Darius Khobo, delayed the ruling after the defence said it needed time to study an amended charge filed by the prosecution.
The prosecution, also led by the ICPC, filed a new nine-count charge and removed a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, from the case.
Defence counsel, Ubong Akpan, said the delay was also due to the bereavement of the judge.
“His lordship was bereaved and he was unable to put the ruling together. So, we understand these things happen,” Akpan said, adding that the defence remains hopeful ahead of the next hearing.
El-Rufai is also facing separate charges at the Kaduna State High Court, including allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and giving undue advantage.
There was heavy security presence at the court, with armed officers deployed to maintain order and control movement.
