Court fixes June for ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application

The Kaduna State High Court has adjourned its ruling on the bail application filed by former governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai until June.

Presiding judge Darius Khobo announced the adjournment on Tuesday following proceedings in the case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

With the ruling delayed, El-Rufai is expected to remain in ICPC custody, a development that coincides with the period political parties are concluding their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former governor is also a key figure in the opposition coalition’s African Democratic Congress (ADC).

El-Rufai is currently standing trial on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, abuse of office, and corruption.

Speaking after the court session, his counsel, Ukpong Abang, criticised the court’s position and indicated that the defence team would challenge the decision through legal means. He argued that the refusal to grant bail was based on concerns that the former governor could interfere with investigations, a claim the defence disputes.

Abang further suggested that the case carries political undertones, insisting that the defence would continue to pursue its arguments strictly within the framework of the law. He urged supporters of the former governor to remain calm and not be discouraged by the development, assuring them that the legal battle would be pursued to a logical conclusion.

The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application in the first week of June, alongside the continuation of proceedings.

Meanwhile, a separate ruling by the Federal High Court in Kaduna had earlier granted El-Rufai bail in another case involving a 10-count amended charge of alleged corruption and money laundering filed by the same anti-corruption agency. Justice Rilwanu Aikawa approved bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties, subject to strict conditions.