WorldStage– Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Kaduna has El-Rufai is strictly barred former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from granting media interviews or engaging in public commentary regarding the ongoing trial.
The court issued the bar while granting him bail in the sum of ₦200 million.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, follows his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on charges related to alleged financial misconduct and corruption during his tenure as governor.
The court imposed several stringent conditions for his release, including a bail sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in the like sum.
El-Rufai is also strictly barred from granting media interviews or engaging in public commentary regarding the ongoing trial.
According to the court ruling, sureties must be reputable individuals, with at least one required to provide title deeds of developed property in high-brow areas of the Federal Capital Territory, such as Maitama or Asokoro.
He is required to surrender his international passport to the court.
Additionally, the former governor is to report monthly to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), specifically on the first day of each month.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, is expected to test both legal arguments and public scrutiny as proceedings unfold.
The ICPC is prosecuting the former governor on a nine-count amended charge, including allegations of approval of ₦11 billion for a light rail project that was never executed and the receipt of ₦289.8 million in excess severance allowances.
El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that the prosecution is politically motivated.The court has adjourned the matter to May 28 and 29, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
