Court Adjourns El-Rufai Bail Hearing to March 31

Court Adjourns El-Rufai Bail Hearing to March 31

A Federal High Court in Kaduna has postponed hearing on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, 2026.

The adjournment followed proceedings on Tuesday where both the defence and prosecution presented arguments on whether the ex-governor should be granted bail.

Counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to release his client, citing his constitutional right to liberty and the need to adequately prepare for trial.

However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the weight of the charges against El-Rufai requires caution. The prosecution argued that granting bail at this stage could affect ongoing investigations.

The case stems from charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is prosecuting El-Rufai over alleged financial misconduct.

According to the commission, the former governor is facing charges bordering on conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. He is being tried alongside one Joel Adoga in a suit before the Federal High Court.

In addition, the ICPC disclosed that a separate case has been filed at a Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and another defendant, Amadu Sule. The state charges include alleged abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

The anti-graft agency said both cases were instituted on March 18, adding that the former governor had been duly served in line with legal procedures.

El-Rufai’s arraignment follows weeks of legal and public scrutiny. The situation had drawn reactions from political stakeholders and civil society groups, including the African Democratic Congress, which called for either his immediate release or formal arraignment.

The former governor was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, granted bail two days later, and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC. He has remained in custody since then.

With the court now set to rule on the bail application at the end of the month, attention remains on the legal battle as it unfolds.