A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently facing multiple charges of alleged financial misconduct.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, while proceedings continue in a separate case before the Kaduna State High Court.
El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations bordering on fraud, abuse of office, and mismanagement of public funds.
However, his bail application at the Kaduna State High Court suffered a setback, as the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, adjourned ruling on the matter until April 21, 2026.
The former governor was arraigned on Monday, April 13, 2026, following his appearance in court alongside operatives of the ICPC and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He is facing an amended nine-count charge after the prosecution reviewed its initial filing.
According to court documents, one of the key allegations is that El-Rufai authorised the release of about ₦11 billion in state funds to an unregistered entity for a proposed light rail project that was never executed.
The prosecution further alleges that he approved and received ₦289.8 million as severance allowance—far exceeding the legally approved entitlement of about ₦20 million—thereby conferring undue financial benefit on himself.
In another count, he is accused of mismanaging over $1.08 million, part of a World Bank loan granted to Kaduna State, in violation of the loan’s terms.
El-Rufai has denied all allegations.
During Monday’s proceedings, the defence team, led by Ubong Akpan, raised objections over the late service of the amended charges, stating they were only made available in court.
The argument prompted Justice Khobo to adjourn the case to allow the defence adequate time to review the new filings.
The matter continues as legal proceedings unfold across both courts.
