ICPC Sets Bail Terms For Ex-Governor El-Rufai After Fresh Revelation

According to Ireporter Online, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted conditional bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in an ongoing corruption case.

The anti-graft agency, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the court admitted the former governor to bail in the sum of ₦200 million, with two sureties in like sum. It further explained that the bail came with strict conditions aimed at ensuring compliance with judicial proceedings.

According to the ICPC, one of the sureties must be a resident of Kaduna State with landed property valued at ₦200 million, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy, while the second surety is required to be a respected elder certified by a recognized council of elders. The court also directed El-Rufai to deposit his international passport with the court registrar.

The commission added that the former governor is required to report to its headquarters on the first Monday of every month and must reside in a designated location approved by the court. It was further ruled that any intention to change residence must be communicated to the court at least 72 hours in advance.

In addition, the court barred him from interfering with prosecution witnesses and ordered that he remain in ICPC custody until all bail conditions are fully met.

The ICPC noted that the case followed a prolonged investigation into alleged activities during his tenure between 2015 and 2023. The commission stated that the 10-count charge filed against El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, includes allegations of unlawful receipt of ₦289,826,998.12 as severance allowance, which is said to be significantly above the approved amount. It also alleged that he received $797,900 into a domiciliary account believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities, as well as involvement in the alleged concealment of $10,000 in 2019.

Both defendants, however, have pleaded not guilty to the charges as proceedings continue.