Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case

Published

on

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case

The Federal High Court has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing multiple corruption-related charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ruling marks a major development in the high-profile trial, although full details of the bail conditions were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report. The court’s decision comes amid intensified legal proceedings involving several corruption allegations linked to his time in office.

El-Rufai’s bail was granted shortly after he appeared before a Kaduna State High Court under heavy security for a related proceeding concerning a separate bail application in another ICPC-linked case. The back-to-back court appearances reflect the complexity and multi-layered nature of the cases against the former governor.

Court proceedings were reportedly conducted under tight security, with journalists initially restricted from accessing the courtroom, further heightening public interest in the matter.

During earlier sittings, the prosecution was said to have amended the charge sheet, restructuring the case from an initial joint trial involving El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, to a sole-defendant arrangement after Sule was dropped from the case.

READ ALSO:

The defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ubong Akpan, reportedly expressed surprise over the amended charges, stating that the new documents were served in court without prior notice, which contributed to delays in the proceedings.

The case was subsequently adjourned to April 14, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, which has now resulted in the Federal High Court granting bail.

The ICPC alleges that the former governor was involved in several financial infractions during his tenure, including the alleged release of about ₦11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed.

He is also accused of approving and receiving approximately ₦289.8 million as severance allowance beyond legally permitted limits, alongside allegations of financial misconduct involving a World Bank-linked loan reportedly valued at over $1.08 million.

Other allegations include the controversial award of a ₦4.6 billion CCTV surveillance contract in Kaduna State allegedly in violation of procurement laws, as well as claims of conspiracy to obstruct or influence federal investigators.

In a separate case before the Federal High Court, El-Rufai is also facing additional charges bordering on money laundering, conversion, and alleged unlawful possession of public assets.

He has consistently denied all allegations, insisting that his administration followed due process in all financial and contractual decisions.

The ICPC has not yet issued an updated statement following the bail ruling, while further proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the court determines the substantive issues in the case.

The development adds to growing national attention on anti-corruption enforcement and the prosecution of high-profile political figures in Nigeria, particularly amid renewed debates over governance accountability and public financial management.

Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case

Loading

metro

Ataoja Mourns Death of Baba Oba, Calls It Monumental Loss

Published

on

Prince Adeleke Oduola

Ataoja Mourns Death of Baba Oba, Calls It Monumental Loss

The Ataoja of Osogbo Land, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Laro-Oye II, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Baba Oba and Head of the Osogbo Elders Council, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the cultural and traditional fabric of the community.

In an official condolence message issued through the palace media unit, the monarch extended heartfelt sympathies to the immediate family of the deceased, friends, associates, members of the traditional institution, and the entire people of Osogbo.

Oba Laro-Oye II noted that the late Baba Oba lived a life defined by honour, wisdom, peace, and unwavering dedication to the unity and progress of Osogbo land. He described the deceased elder statesman as a towering figure in traditional governance whose influence extended beyond his immediate family and council duties.

According to the Ataoja, Baba Oba was not only a respected father figure to many but also a custodian of indigenous knowledge and a pillar of guidance whose counsel played a vital role in fostering harmony and stability within the Osogbo traditional system.

“He was a man of exceptional wisdom whose contributions to the growth, unity, and preservation of our cultural heritage will remain indelible in our hearts,” the monarch stated.

The Ataoja prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, asking Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort his family, the traditional council, and the people of Osogbo during this difficult period.

He further urged sons and daughters of Osogbo, both at home and in the diaspora, to uphold the values of unity, peace, respect for tradition, and communal harmony which the late Baba Oba consistently embodied throughout his lifetime.

The palace described the loss as one that has created a significant vacuum within the Osogbo traditional leadership structure, adding that the legacy of the late elder statesman would continue to inspire future generations.

Signed,
Media Unit
Palace of Ataoja of Osogbo Land

 

Ataoja Mourns Death of Baba Oba, Calls It Monumental Loss

 

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá

Published

on

Prince Adeleke Oduola

“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá

 

Osogbo, Osun State — The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Bobagunwa Teslim Igbalaye, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late elder statesman, royal prince, and political icon, Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá, who died on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 93.

In a condolence message issued in Osogbo, Osogbo, Igbalaye described the deceased as “a father figure, a political institution, and one of the last true custodians of Osogbo’s rich political heritage.”

He said Prince Òdùọlá was more than a mentor to him, noting that their relationship spanned over two decades of political tutelage and personal guidance.

“Over twenty years ago, my father handed me over to Baba Adeleke Òdùọlá as a young man eager to learn the ropes of politics and public service. From that moment, I came under his fatherly tutelage… Baba was more than a mentor; he was a father, a teacher, and a moral compass,” Igbalaye said.

The SSG praised the late prince as a towering figure in Osogbo’s socio-political evolution and a vital link to the town’s historic political consciousness.

Prince Òdùọlá, a respected member of the Lájọmọ Ruling House, also served as Mogaji of the family, where he was widely regarded as a custodian of tradition, culture, and communal harmony.

He was also a prominent figure in the famed Òròkí Social Club of Osogbo, established in 1963, where he served as treasurer and contributed to shaping early political thought in the town.

Describing him as “a man of multiple frontiers,” Igbalaye highlighted his roles as a successful trader, devout Muslim, disciplined family man, and political strategist whose life inspired many across generations.

“Baba lived a life of purpose and impact. He believed strongly in education, moral discipline, diligence, compassion, and community service,” he added.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased in Aljanah Firdaus and urged the family to take solace in his enduring legacy.

Condolences were also extended to the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, the Lájọmọ Royal Family, members of the Òròkí Social Club, and the children and grandchildren of the deceased.

The statement was signed by Kehinde Adeoye, Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communication to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.

 

“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

VIDEO: Catholic Priest, Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom

Published

on

Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom

VIDEO: Catholic Priest, Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom

There was commotion at Tansian University on Tuesday following reports that a Catholic priest who lectures at the institution was allegedly caught in a compromising situation with a female student inside a classroom.

According to videos and eyewitness accounts circulating on social media, the incident reportedly occurred within one of the lecture halls at the university’s Oba campus in Anambra State.

The lecturer, said to be a Reverend Father attached to the institution, was allegedly discovered with the student after some individuals reportedly noticed suspicious activity around the classroom.

READ ALSO:

Videos shared online showed a crowd gathering around the scene as students and other individuals reacted to the development. However, the authenticity of all circulating clips and claims could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The university management has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, while details surrounding the identities of those involved remain unclear.

The development has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many users expressing shock over the allegation, while others urged caution against spreading unverified information online.

Some commentators also warned against sharing explicit or private footage connected to the incident, especially as investigations or internal disciplinary processes may still be ongoing.

As of press time, there was no confirmation from the university authorities, the Catholic Church, or security agencies regarding possible disciplinary or legal action connected to the matter.

VIDEO: Catholic Priest, Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending