Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as proceedings resumed in his ongoing corruption trial.

El-Rufai arrived at the court complex at approximately 9:30 a.m. under the watch of officials from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The former governor is facing allegations relating to abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct during his administration in Kaduna State. Prosecutors claim that public funds were released for projects that were either improperly managed or allegedly not executed as approved.

El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that he is innocent of the charges brought against him.

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At the latest hearing, the court is expected to entertain further motions and legal submissions from both the prosecution and defence teams as the case advances through the judicial process.

The trial has attracted significant public attention due to El-Rufai’s prominent role in Nigerian politics and his influence within national affairs.

Earlier in the proceedings, on April 14, 2026, Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the former governor bail in the sum of ₦200 million. The bail conditions required two sureties, including either a serving or retired civil servant on Grade Level 15 and a recognised traditional ruler.

The bail ruling followed legal arguments over whether El-Rufai should remain in custody while the case proceeds.

Following the bail decision, El-Rufai’s legal team sought a variation of the conditions imposed by the court.

The development came after previous attempts to secure his release had faced obstacles. A separate ruling by a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo had earlier declined bail applications, citing concerns that the former governor’s influence could potentially affect ongoing investigations.

Those concerns formed part of the prosecution’s argument that the allegations under review involved serious financial misconduct requiring careful judicial consideration.

The case has also been accompanied by concerns over El-Rufai’s health.

Recently, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, accused the ICPC of restricting the former governor’s access to medical treatment despite complaints regarding a deteriorating eye condition.

The allegation added another dimension to the ongoing legal battle, although the anti-corruption agency has continued its prosecution of the case.

As proceedings continue, the Federal High Court is expected to hear additional arguments and evidence that could shape the next phase of the trial. The outcome remains closely watched by political observers, legal experts, and members of the public interested in accountability and governance issues in Nigeria.