The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail in the sum of N100 million to the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations bordering on breach of public trust, money laundering, and the diversion of N423 billion during his eight-year tenure.
The Arraignment and Courtroom Drama
The atmosphere around the Perez Security-cordoned court premises was charged as early as 6:00 AM, with hundreds of supporters of the former governor chanting solidarity songs. El-Rufai, clad in a white kaftan and his signature cap, arrived in the custody of EFCC operatives at exactly 8:45 AM.
When the 14-count charge was read before presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, the former governor pleaded “not guilty” to all counts. The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, requested a swift trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
However, the lead defense counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, fiercely opposed the remand application, moving a comprehensive 32-paragraph bail application filed on May 12, 2026.
“The defendant is a statesman, a former minister, and a two-term governor. He is not a flight risk, and he has co-operated fully with the administrative bail terms of the commission,” Agabi argued.
The Bail Conditions
Delivering her ruling on the application after a brief recess, Justice Nyako stated that bail is a constitutional right afforded to every accused person under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Consequently, she admitted Malam El-Rufai to bail under the following strict conditions:
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Monetary Sum: Bail was set at N100,000,000 (One Hundred Million Naira) with two sureties in like sum.
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Surety Profile: The sureties must be directors in federal ministries or owners of landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) valued at no less than the bail sum.
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Travel Restrictions: The defendant must deposit his international passports with the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court.
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Jurisdiction: The former governor is restricted from traveling outside Nigeria without the express permission of the court.
Justice Nyako subsequently adjourned the matter to July 14, 2026, for a definite hearing, warning both legal teams that the court would not tolerate unnecessary applications for adjournment.
The Background of the N423bn Probe
The legal woes of the former governor stem from a report submitted by the Kaduna State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee, which investigated his administration’s financial dealings between 2015 and 2023. The committee alleged that the administration systematically funneled state loans, channeled internally generated revenue (IGR), and abandoned critical infrastructure projects despite drawing down massive federal allocations.
Speaking immediately after the court session, the EFCC spokesperson stated that the commission is fully prepared to prove its case with overwhelming documentary evidence and over fifteen witnesses lined up to testify against the former governor.
