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| Nasir el-Rufai |
In a major development, the Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai bail set at N200 million in a high-profile money laundering and fraud case.
Justice Rilwani Aikawa approved the bail on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, imposing around 10 strict conditions. El-Rufai’s associate, Hayatudeen Lawal Makarfi, told journalists that the ex-governor must remain in ICPC custody until he provides a surety with landed property and a traditional title.
The case stems from a March 24 arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), where el-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga faced a 10-count charge. Both pleaded not guilty.
El-Rufai’s son, Bello, expressed family relief outside court but cautioned against media discussions, noting the judge’s warning on the matter.
Meanwhile, in a separate criminal case at the Kaduna High Court on the same day, Justice Darius Khobo adjourned el-Rufai’s bail hearing to April 21, 2026.
On Monday, ICPC had arraigned el-Rufai at the Kaduna high court on amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.
The anti-graft agency removed Amadu Sule, the other defendant, from the amended case.
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19, after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
However, el-Rufai was released on March 27 on compassionate grounds to attend the burial of his mother.
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