Yemi Obafemi
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai as he faces trial over allegations of financial misconduct involving billions of naira and foreign loan funds.
The bail was approved by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, while proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court were delayed after the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, fixed April 21, 2026, to rule on a separate bail request before that court.
El Rufai is standing trial on multiple counts brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which accuse him of abuse of office and financial irregularities.
The charges include issues surrounding deposits into his domiciliary account and the handling of his earnings.
Court filings allege that the former governor approved the release of about ₦11 billion from state funds to an unregistered entity for a proposed light rail project that was never carried out.
Prosecutors further claim he authorised and received ₦289.8 million as severance pay, significantly higher than the approved entitlement of roughly ₦20 million, thereby granting himself undue financial benefit.
In another allegation, El Rufai is accused of mismanaging over $1.08 million from a World Bank facility extended to Kaduna State, in violation of the loan terms.
He has denied all the allegations.
The former governor was brought before the state court on April 13, 2026, by operatives of the ICPC alongside officials of the Department of State Services. The prosecution later revised its initial filing, presenting an amended nine count charge.
During the hearing, defence counsel, led by Barrister Ubong Akpan, objected to the timing of the amended charges, stating that they were only served in court and left insufficient time for proper review.
Following the objection, Justice Khobo adjourned the case to allow the defence team study the new documents before further proceedings.
