By Lucky Uto
The legal battle surrounding former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, intensified as a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, granted him bail over allegations of financial misconduct.
El-Rufai is being investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over issues linked to funds traced to his domiciliary account and the handling of his earnings while in office.
However, proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court took a different turn, as Justice Darius Khobo reserved ruling on a separate bail application until April 21, 2026, following arguments from both legal teams.
The former governor was arraigned on Monday, April 13, 2026, before the state court by operatives of the ICPC alongside officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He is currently facing an amended nine-count charge bordering on fraud, abuse of office, and money laundering.
Court documents reveal that one of the major allegations involves the approval and release of approximately ₦11 billion from Kaduna State funds to an unregistered entity for a proposed light rail project that was never executed.
In another charge, El-Rufai is accused of approving and receiving ₦289.8 million as severance allowance—far exceeding the legally approved entitlement of about ₦20 million—thereby conferring undue financial benefit on himself.
The prosecution further alleged that he mismanaged over $1.08 million from a World Bank loan granted to Kaduna State, in violation of the loan’s terms.
Despite the weight of the allegations, El-Rufai has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
His defence counsel, led by Ubong Akpan, challenged the late service of the amended charges, stating they were only presented in court, leaving little time for proper review.
Following the objections, Justice Khobo adjourned the case to allow the defence team sufficient time to study the new filings, with the matter now set for continuation after the bail ruling date.
