The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in connection with alleged corruption charges brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

However, the court directed that the former governor remain in the custody of the anti-graft agency until all bail conditions are fully satisfied.

Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, trial judge Justice Rilwanu Aikawa approved bail in the sum of ₦200 million, with two sureties required to provide an equivalent amount. The judge described the conditions attached to the bail as “strict and extensive.”

According to the court’s directive, one surety must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15, while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler. Both sureties are also required to deposit their international passports with the court.

In addition, El-Rufai has been barred from making public statements regarding the case and is mandated to attend all court proceedings.

Counsel to the former governor, Ubong Akpan, declined to comment when approached by journalists after the hearing. However, El-Rufai’s son, Bello El-Rufai, confirmed that bail had been granted.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hayatudeen Makarfi, also confirmed the development, noting that the bail conditions include financial obligations, landed property requirements, and the involvement of a traditional ruler as a surety. He emphasised that compliance with all conditions is required before El-Rufai can be released from custody.

Earlier in the day, proceedings in a related matter at the Kaduna State High Court were stalled, as the court adjourned ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application to April 21, 2026. The adjournment followed the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, who was reportedly unable to deliver the ruling as scheduled due to bereavement.

The ICPC had initially arraigned El-Rufai on March 18, 2026, alongside the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, Amadu Sule, under charges including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. However, the prosecution later amended the charges, dropping Sule from the case and proceeding solely against the former governor.

Reacting to the adjournment, Akpan attributed the delay to unforeseen circumstances and expressed optimism ahead of the rescheduled ruling. He also accused the ICPC of pursuing multiple legal actions against his client across different courts.

Following the Kaduna State High Court proceedings, El-Rufai was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court on a separate 10-count charge before Justice Aikawa.

The case underscores the growing legal challenges facing the former governor, with proceedings now ongoing at both state and federal levels.