Court Grants El-Rufai N200m Bail, Imposes Strict Conditions

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Tuesday granted bail to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who is facing a 10-count amended charge bordering on alleged corruption and money laundering filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ruling was delivered by Justice Rilwanu Aikawa after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence in the high-profile trial.

The court granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties, while imposing stringent conditions that must be met before the defendant’s release from custody.

Under the terms of the bail, one of the sureties is required to provide a Certificate of Occupancy for landed property, while the second surety must be a respected elder in Kaduna State, to be verified by the Kaduna State Council of Elders.

The court also ordered that El-Rufai and his counsel must not grant interviews or make public comments relating to the case pending the conclusion of the trial.

In addition, the former governor is required to report to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the first day of every month and deposit his international passport with the court.

The judge further directed that the defendant shall remain in ICPC custody until all bail conditions are fully perfected.

Counsel to the defendant, Ukong Abang, declined to comment on the details of the ruling when approached by journalists after the proceedings, saying further clarification would be provided later.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of the former governor, expressed gratitude over the ruling, describing it as a relief to the family.

He said the family appreciated the legal team and supporters who stood by them during the proceedings, adding that they remained confident in the judicial process.

“We are happy that Malam has been granted bail today. We are proud of him and proud of the rule of law. We hope the media continues to report the case objectively,” he said.

In a separate reaction, an associate of the former governor, Hayatudeen Lawal Makarfi, also welcomed the ruling, describing it as encouraging.

He noted that although bail had been granted, the defendant would remain in custody pending fulfilment of the conditions set by the court.

Meanwhile, ICPC had earlier brought El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court on similar allegations of fraud, abuse of office and corruption, which he has consistently denied.

The matter before the Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, was adjourned to April 21 for ruling on the bail application and continuation of proceedings.