El-Rufai Denied Bail on Corruption Charges, Remains Custody

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, is currently in custody after a federal high court in Kaduna denied him bail on ten counts of alleged corruption. The charges are filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and relate to offenses under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act.

Judge Rilwan M. Aikawa ruled that the offenses are bailable but set stringent conditions for bail, which El-Rufai must meet to be released.

These conditions include a N200 million bond, two sureties, one of whom must be a recognized traditional ruler or a federal civil servant not below grade level 15. Additionally, he is required to submit land property documents, surrender his international passport, and undertake not to make public comments regarding the case.

El-Rufai is also facing nine separate charges at the Kaduna State High Court, which involve allegations of abuse of office, with the next hearing scheduled for April 21, 2026.