Court Grants ₦200 Million Bail To Nasir El-Rufai In Corruption Case

The court, presided over by Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, admitted the former governor to bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum, while imposing what it described as strict and comprehensive conditions.

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As part of the ruling, El-Rufai is to remain in the custody of the anti-graft agency until all bail requirements are fully satisfied. The court further directed that the sureties must deposit their international passports with the court, with one required to be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and the other a recognised traditional ruler.

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Justice Aikawa also ordered that the former governor must refrain from making any public statements relating to the case and must be present for all court sittings throughout the trial.

Shortly after the ruling, El-Rufai’s legal counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), declined to speak with journalists, while his son, Bello El-Rufai, confirmed that bail had been granted.

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hayatudeen Makarfi, also confirmed the development, noting that additional bail conditions include financial documentation, landed property verification, and the involvement of a recognised traditional ruler as surety. He added that the former governor would remain in ICPC custody until all conditions are met.

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In a related development, proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court were adjourned after Justice Darius Khobo postponed ruling on a separate bail application involving El-Rufai to April 21, 2026, citing unavoidable circumstances.

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Earlier, the ICPC had arraigned El-Rufai alongside the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, Amadu Sule, before amending the charges and leaving the former governor as the sole defendant in the case.

Counsel to El-Rufai described the delay in the state court ruling as unavoidable, while also alleging that the commission is pursuing parallel proceedings in both federal and state courts. The legal team maintained that the case would continue as scheduled once the court resumes.