Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court as proceedings resumed on his bail application in an ongoing corruption case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor, who is facing an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office, arrived at the court under tight security.
During earlier proceedings, access to the courtroom was restricted, further drawing public attention to the high-profile case.
Defence counsel, Ubong Akpan, disclosed that the prosecution served fresh amended charges on the defence team in court, leaving little time for proper review and forcing a delay in proceedings.
“The charges are entirely new to us. They were given to us this morning while we were already in court,” Akpan said, noting that the defence would study the documents before responding.
The presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, subsequently adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.
According to court filings, the amended charges include allegations that El-Rufai approved the release of about N11 billion for a proposed light rail project that was never executed, as well as claims that he received an excessive severance package far above the legal limit.
Other accusations involve the alleged mismanagement of over $1 million from a World Bank loan, unlawful award of a multi-billion naira CCTV contract, and attempts to influence investigators.
El-Rufai has denied all allegations.
The case adds to a series of legal battles facing the former governor, including separate proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where he is also standing trial on additional charges related to alleged financial misconduct.
The outcome of the bail application is expected to shape the next phase of the trial as legal proceedings continue.