El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Adjourns Bail Hearing

El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Adjourns Bail Hearing

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, 2026.

El-Rufai was arraigned before the court on Tuesday on charges bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The former governor was brought to court by security operatives at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the vehicle for approximately 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom under tight security. Armed operatives were also deployed in and around the court premises, restricting movement and maintaining order ahead of the high-profile hearing.

During proceedings, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that El-Rufai would not abscond and needed his freedom to adequately prepare his defence. The defence also emphasized his constitutional rights and willingness to comply with any bail conditions.

However, the prosecution opposed the application, contending that granting bail at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations by the anti-corruption agency.

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After listening to arguments from both sides, the presiding judge adjourned the matter to March 31 for ruling on the bail application, ordering that El-Rufai remain in custody pending the decision.

The former governor has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19, shortly after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had earlier detained him over related allegations.

Since his arrest, the case has generated significant public attention, with political associates, legal analysts, and civil society groups calling either for his release or for a swift and transparent trial.

Sources within the investigation disclosed that while in ICPC custody, El-Rufai declined to answer questions from investigators, invoking his constitutional right to remain silent.

Earlier, on March 5, a magistrate court had extended his initial remand order by an additional 14 days to allow investigators more time to conclude preliminary findings.

In a related development, El-Rufai has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of the search conducted on his residence as well as the remand order issued following his arrest. The suit is expected to test the boundaries of investigative powers exercised by anti-corruption agencies.

Legal observers say the outcome of both the bail ruling and the fundamental rights suit could have far-reaching implications for due process, anti-corruption enforcement, and political accountability in Nigeria.

El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Adjourns Bail Hearing