*Abuse of Office, Fraud: Kaduna State High Court adjourns El Rufai’s case till April 24
By Olawale Lamina
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ,ICPC, has declared Mallam Nasir El Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State has been granted only a conditional bail in the sum of ₦200 million and two sureties in like sum, among other conditions pending the final determination of the case concerning alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering offences preferred against him.
A statement by the Commission’s Spokesperson and Head, Media & Public Communications, Mr. John Okor Odey, ANIPR, stated the anti-graft body’s position on the matter, amidst news of defendant’s reported bail.
“The cases stem from a protracted investigation by the Commission into the defendant’s tenure as Governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, bordering on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering.
Mallam El-Rufai was arrested by the Commission on or about 18th February 2026.
Following the conclusion of investigations, the Commission filed a 10-count charge against Mallam El-Rufai and Mr. Joel Adoga before Honourable Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna.
The charges relate to alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering offences contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and other relevant laws, the Commission explained.
Shedding more light on the circumstances surrounding El Rufai’s case, the statement emphasized that, the ICPC, being the prosecution, alleged that the defendant received the sum of ₦289,826,998.12 as severance allowance, which according to its investigation significantly exceeded the former governor’s lawful entitlement of ₦20,013,24, between 2020 and 2023.
Also, the ICPC alleged that the defendant had received the sum of $797,900, deposited into his domiciliary account with Guaranty Trust Bank, from various individuals, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities. This is apart from the allegation that the defendant equally conspired with the second defendant, Mr. Joel Adoga, to disguise the origin of $10,000 in July 2019.
In response to the charges before then, both defendants pleaded not guilty.,Similarly the ICPC arraigned Mallam El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court on an amended 9-count charge on 13th April 2026. The charges border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferment of undue advantage, contrary to the provisions of the ICPC Act, Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Kaduna State Penal Code, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law.
On Tuesday at the Kaduna State High Court, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice Darius Khobo, informed the court that the ruling on the defendant’s bail application was not ready, citing the inability to conclude the writing of the decision. The matter was consequently adjourned to Tuesday, 21st April 2026, for the delivery of the ruling.
The court further ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the Commission pending the determination of the bail application.
On its part, the Federal High Court, Kaduna granted bail to Mallam El-Rufai in the sum of ₦200 million and two sureties in like sum with conditions attached.
The court directed that one of the sureties must be a resident in Kaduna State with a property worth 200 million and a verified CofO while the second surety must be a well-respected elder, certified by the elders council.
It was further ruled that the defendant must deposit his international passport to the Registrar of the court and also sign an undertaking not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.
Other conditions include reporting to the Commission’s headquarters every first Monday of the month and also being restricted to live in a specific residence of his. The judge held that if Malam El-Rufai desires to change his residence, a 72-hour notice should be given to the court prior to any change of residence.
The court further ordered that the first defendant remain in the custody of the Commission pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The trial judge further adopted the administrative bail granted to the second defendant, Mr. Joel Adoga.
The Commission reiterates its commitment to due process and the rule of law and assures the public that the prosecution of the case is being conducted diligently and in accordance with established legal procedures.
However, the ICPC assured that it will continue to keep the public informed of significant developments as proceedings progress in both courts.
Recall that news of bail being granted to Mallam Nasir El Rufai was reported in some publications today, without details of other intricacies associated with it.
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