By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Federal High Court in Kaduna will rule on an application seeking variation of bail conditions granted to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in his ongoing trial over alleged corruption and money laundering.
El-Rufai who’s being prosecuted alongside Joel Adoga on a 10 count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and other relevant statutes.
According to reports at Wednesday’s proceedings before Justice Rilwan Aikawa, defence counsel led by Oluwole Olaniyan (SAN) argued for a review of the bail terms earlier set by the court, while prosecution counsel, Dr. Agada Akogwu, opposed the application through a counter affidavit after which the court adjourned the matter to May 7, 2026, for ruling.
The trial court which had earlier admitted El-Rufai to bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum, with the administrative bail granted to the second defendant was adopted.
In a related application, the defence sought permission for the former governor to access medical care, particularly dental and eye treatment, in Abuja which the court granted, directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to escort the defendant under strict supervision to designated facilities, including Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital, and return him to custody after treatment.
The case is part of a broader anti-corruption push targeting high-profile public officials, with the ICPC intensifying investigations into alleged financial misconduct in public office.
The charges against El-Rufai stem from allegations of diversion and unlawful handling of public funds during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
The Commission had, in recent months, filed multiple high-profile cases as part of efforts to enforce accountability and strengthen public sector transparency.
El-Rufai’s trial has drawn significant public attention given his prominence in national politics and previous role in governance reforms while reiterating its commitment to due process, stating that the prosecution is being conducted diligently in line with the law, also assuring the public that further updates will be provided as the trial progresses.