April 14, 2026 | News
In a dramatic twist to one of Nigeria’s most closely watched corruption cases, a Federal High Court has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his detention over allegations filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Details of the bail conditions remain undisclosed as of press time, but the ruling marks a major turning point in the high-stakes legal battle that has gripped political circles nationwide.
El-Rufai’s release comes just hours after he appeared under heavy security at the Kaduna State High Court for proceedings tied to a separate ICPC case. The intense security presence—and the decision to bar journalists from the courtroom—only deepened public curiosity and speculation about the trial.
Sources reveal that the case hit a temporary setback after prosecutors introduced an amended nine-count charge, reshaping the accusations against the former governor. Notably, his initial co-defendant, Amadu Sule, was dropped, leaving El-Rufai to face the charges alone.
His legal counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), expressed shock at the development, stating the defence team received the revised charges without prior notice during court proceedings.
At the heart of the case are weighty allegations, including claims that El-Rufai authorized the release of N11 billion in state funds to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed. He is also accused of approving an inflated severance package of N289.8 million for himself—far exceeding legal limits.
Other charges include the alleged mismanagement of over $1.08 million in World Bank funds, the controversial award of a N4.6 billion CCTV contract in Kaduna, and claims of attempting to bribe federal investigators.
Despite the mounting allegations, El-Rufai has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
In a related development, the former governor is also battling a separate 10-count charge before another Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, involving alleged money laundering and unlawful possession of public funds.
As the legal fireworks continue, all eyes remain on the courts in what could become one of the most defining anti-corruption trials in recent Nigerian history.
