Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has provided fresh updates on the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
The anti-graft agency says the former governor is currently facing separate trials at both the Federal High Court and Kaduna State High Court over allegations linked to his time in office between 2015 and 2023.
According to the Commission, the charges include abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that El-Rufai received over 289 million naira as severance allowance far above his legal entitlement as well as nearly 800 thousand dollars believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
He is also accused of conspiring with a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, to conceal the origin of illicit funds. Both men have pleaded not guilty.
At the Kaduna State High Court, the presiding judge adjourned ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application to April 21, citing the need to complete the decision. The court ordered that he remain in custody pending the ruling.
However, in a parallel development, the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted the former governor bail in the sum of 200 million naira, with strict conditions, including the provision of two sureties, surrender of his international passport, and regular reporting to authorities.
The court also ruled that he must not interfere with witnesses and must notify the court before any change of residence.
The ICPC says it remains committed to due process and will continue to keep the public informed as proceedings continue.