El-Rufai Back in ICPC Custody as Court Adjourns Bail Hearing to April 21

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been granted bail by the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, though a separate bail application before the Kaduna State High Court has been adjourned to April 21, 2026.

Two separate court sittings took place on Tuesday. At the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, El-Rufai was granted bail with a ₦200 million bond and two sureties. One surety must provide a Certificate of Occupancy for landed property, while the other must be a respected elder in Kaduna State, verified by the Kaduna State Council of Elders.

The court also ordered that El-Rufai and his counsel must not grant media interviews pending the conclusion of the trial. He must report to the ICPC on the first day of every month and deposit his passport with the court.

Kaduna State High Court adjourns

Meanwhile, proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, did not conclude on Tuesday. The matter was adjourned to April 21, meaning El-Rufai’s legal battle continues on two fronts.

The charges

The ICPC on Monday arraigned El-Rufai before Justice Khobo on a nine-count charge after amending the original charge to separate his case from co-defendant Amadu Suleiman, Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, who was reported unavailable on medical grounds. ICPC prosecution counsel Dr. Osuobeni Akponimisingha informed the court that the amendment was necessary due to Suleiman’s continued absence.

El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all nine counts, which fall under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, the Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law 2017.

There was heavy security at both courts on Tuesday, with restricted movement around the Federal High Court premises.

Sources: Sahara Reporters, Punch, Channels TV, Leadership