Kaduna, NIGERIA — The Kaduna State High Court is expected to deliver its ruling tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, on the bail application of former Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai in the ongoing corruption case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, had previously reserved the ruling during the court’s sitting on April 14. Okay News reports that the delay was due to the judge being bereaved, which prevented the completion of the ruling on the scheduled date. El-Rufai, who was first arraigned on April 13, remains in ICPC custody pending the court’s decision.
The former governor faces a nine-count amended charge bordering on abuse of office and financial misconduct. Key allegations include:
- The unauthorized release of approximately ₦11 billion in state funds to an unregistered entity for a proposed light rail project.
- The improper approval and receipt of ₦289.8 million as a severance allowance, significantly exceeding legal entitlements.
- Mismanagement of over $1.08 million from a World Bank loan granted to Kaduna State.
While a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million on April 14 regarding a separate 10-count charge, he cannot be released until the State High Court delivers a favorable ruling tomorrow and all conditions across both cases are met.
The atmosphere at the Kaduna State High Court is expected to be high-pressure tomorrow as legal teams and observers await the judge’s decision, which will determine if the former governor returns home or remains in custody as the trial progresses.
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