El-Rufai granted N200m bail as second trial adjourned to April 21

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted Kaduna State former governor Nasir El-Rufai bail on a ₦200m bond. Meanwhile, a separate bail application before the Kaduna State High Court was adjourned to April 21 2026.

​Federal High Court judge Justice Rilwan Aikawa delivered the ruling on Tuesday, granting the former governor bail with stringent conditions. Under the terms, El-Rufai must provide two sureties, one of whom must present a certificate of occupancy for landed property.

​Stringent bail conditions and media restrictions

​The second surety must be a respected elder in Kaduna State, verified by the Kaduna State Council of Elders. The court also restricted El-Rufai and his legal team from granting media interviews while the trial is determined.

​El-Rufai is further required to report to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the first day of every month. Additionally, he must surrender his international passport to the court.

​Adjournment of separate proceedings

​At the Kaduna State High Court, judge Justice Darius Khobo adjourned a separate bail application to April 21 2026 for the continuation of the hearing. This adjournment means the court is yet to rule on bail in those specific proceedings.

​The ICPC earlier arraigned El-Rufai on amended nine-count charges relating to alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering. His case was separated from that of a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, who was reportedly absent for medical reasons.

​The ICPC proceeded with the amended charge, allowing El-Rufai to be arraigned independently. Upon the reading of the charges, the former governor pleaded not guilty.

​The charges were brought under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the Advance Fee Fraud Act, the Kaduna State Penal Code and the Public Procurement Law. Security was heavy at the Federal High Court premises to maintain order during the proceedings.