Former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has been granted bail by a Federal High Court in Kaduna after spending nearly two months in detention over corruption-related charges.
Justice Rilwan Aikawa approved the bail application but ordered that the former governor remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) until the stringent bail conditions are fulfilled.
The court set the bail at ₦200 million with two sureties in the same amount. One of the sureties must be a recognised traditional ruler while the other must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15.
Additional conditions include the submission of property documents and the surrender of international passports.
El-Rufai was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before being re-arrested by the ICPC over allegations including money laundering, abuse of office and unlawful possession of public property.
Critics have raised concerns about the prolonged detention prior to formal trial, arguing that such practices raise questions about due process and the increasing politicisation of anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria.
The case has been adjourned for further proceedings.
