The federal high court in Kaduna has granted bail in the sum of N200 million to Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor, in a case bordering on alleged money laundering and fraud.
Rilwani Aikawa, the judge, granted el-Rufai bail on Tuesday.
THE BAIL CONDITIONS
Speaking with journalists after the court hearing, Hayatudeen Lawal Makarfi, an associate of el-Rufai, said the court issued about 10 bail conditions that should be met.
Makarfi said the former governor is expected to remain in the custody of ICPC pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The associate said el-Rufai is expected to provide a surety with landed property and traditional title.
Also speaking, Bello el-Rufai, son of the former Kaduna governor, said the family members are happy that the defendant has been granted bail.
Bello said “it is wrong” to discuss issues that happened in the court with the media, adding that the judge “warned” about it during the court hearing.
On March 24, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned el-Rufai and Joel Adoga before the court on 10-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and fraud.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
ANOTHER JUDGE ADJOURNED BAIL HEARING TO APRIL 21
Earlier on Tuesday, the former Kaduna governor was at the Kaduna high court for the hearing of the bail application in another criminal case.
However, Darius Khobo, the presiding judge, adjourned verdict on the bail application to April 21, 2026.
On Monday, ICPC arraigned el-Rufai at the Kaduna high court on amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.
The anti-graft agency removed Amadu Sule, the other defendant, from the amended case.
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19, after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
However, el-Rufai was released on March 27 on compassionate grounds to attend the burial of his mother.
