Court Declines to Vary Nasir El-Rufai’s Bail Conditions

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has refused to vary the bail conditions of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is standing trial on corruption charges. Justice Rilwanu Aikawa gave the ruling while delivering a decision on an interlocutory application filed by the defendant seeking relaxation of his bail terms. El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged corruption and abuse of office. On April 14, Justice Aikawa granted him bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum. However, the court ordered that he remain in ICPC custody until the bail conditions are fully satisfied. The stringent conditions include the sureties depositing their international passports with the court. One surety must be a serving civil servant not below Grade Level 15, while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler. El-Rufai had sought variation of these conditions, but the court declined the request.The matter has been adjourned to June 1, 2026, for continuation of trial.