Court to Decide on El-Rufai's Bail Application Today

The court is scheduled to rule on Nasir El-Rufai's bail application today after he was arraigned on Monday, facing nine counts of alleged fraud and abuse of office during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has accused El-Rufai of multiple infractions, including the alleged inducement of the Kaduna State government to release N11 billion to unregistered entities related to a light rail project.

He is also accused of approving the receipt of N289.8 million in severance allowances far exceeding the legal entitlement of N20 million, thereby conferring corrupt advantages. Additional charges include mismanagement of $1.08 million from a World Bank loan, violating loan agreements, and unlawfully awarding a N4.6 billion CCTV contract while disregarding procurement laws.

El-Rufai has denied all allegations. The matter has been adjourned to April 14 for further hearing on the bail application.