Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in a case involving alleged financial misconduct.
El-Rufai is facing multiple charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), including allegations related to deposits in his domiciliary account and the handling of his earnings.
However, his bail application at the Kaduna State High Court remains pending, as Justice Darius Khobo has reserved ruling until April 21, 2026.
The former governor was arraigned before the state high court on Monday, April 13, 2026, by ICPC operatives alongside personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS). He is currently facing an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.
According to court documents, the prosecution alleges that El-Rufai authorised the release of about ₦11 billion from state funds to an unregistered entity for a proposed light rail project that was never executed.
He is also accused of approving and receiving ₦289.8 million as severance allowance, significantly higher than the legally approved entitlement of about ₦20 million, thereby conferring undue financial benefit on himself.
In another count, the prosecution claims he mismanaged over $1.08 million from a World Bank loan granted to Kaduna State, in violation of the loan’s terms.
El-Rufai has denied all allegations.
During proceedings, the defence counsel, Barrister Ubong Akpan, objected to the late service of the amended charges, stating that they were only made available in court. Following the objection, the court adjourned the case to allow the defence adequate time to review the new filings.
