Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing allegations of financial misconduct.

The charges, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), include issues surrounding deposits into his domiciliary account and the management of his earnings. However, proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court—where separate charges are being heard—have stalled, with Justice Darius Khobo reserving ruling on the bail application until April 21, 2026.

Mr. El-Rufai is being prosecuted on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office. He was arraigned on Monday, April 13, 2026, following his appearance in court under the custody of ICPC operatives and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Court documents reveal that one of the central allegations involves the approval of approximately ₦11 billion from Kaduna State funds to an unregistered entity for a proposed light rail project that was never executed.

The prosecution further alleges that Mr. El-Rufai approved and received ₦289.8 million as severance allowance—far exceeding the legally prescribed entitlement of about ₦20 million—thereby conferring undue financial benefit on himself.

In another charge, he is accused of mismanaging over $1.08 million from a World Bank loan granted to Kaduna State, in breach of the facility’s terms.

Mr. El-Rufai has denied all allegations.

During Monday’s proceedings, defence counsel, led by Mr. Ubong Akpan, raised objections over the late service of the amended charges, noting that the documents were only made available in court. Justice Khobo subsequently adjourned the matter to allow the defence sufficient time to review the filings.