Court Grants El-Rufai Bail as Trial Over Alleged N11bn Fraud, Abuse of Office Continues
A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing multiple charges bordering on alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office.
The bail was granted by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, even as proceedings continue in a separate case before the Kaduna State High Court, where the former governor is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
At the state high court, presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application has been reserved until April 21, 2026, following arguments from both the defence and prosecution.
El-Rufai was arraigned on Monday, April 13, 2026, by operatives of the ICPC alongside personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on an amended nine-count charge after prosecutors reviewed their initial filing.
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According to court documents, the charges include allegations that the former governor authorised the release of approximately ₦11 billion from Kaduna State funds to an unregistered entity for a proposed light rail project that was never executed.
The prosecution further alleged that El-Rufai 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 terms governing the facility.
The former governor has denied all allegations.
During Monday’s proceedings, the defence team, led by Barrister Ubong Akpan, objected to the late service of the amended charges, arguing that the documents were only made available in court. The development prompted the trial judge to adjourn the matter to allow the defence adequate time to study the new filings.
The case is expected to resume later in April as legal arguments continue over the charges and bail conditions.
By PRNigeria
