Tight Security as Court Fixes New Date for El-Rufai Bail Hearing in Kaduna

A Federal High Court in Kaduna State has scheduled March 31, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application filed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The adjournment followed proceedings held on Tuesday, during which both the prosecution and defence presented their arguments before the court.
Counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, emphasizing his client’s constitutional rights and the need for adequate time to prepare his defence.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, citing the seriousness of the charges and warning that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.
El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, including claims of financial misconduct during his tenure.
Security was significantly heightened across the Kaduna State capital and around the court premises ahead of the arraignment, with armed personnel deployed at strategic locations to maintain order as supporters and observers gathered.
Journalists were, however, denied access to the courtroom. The former governor appeared before the Federal High Court alongside one Joel Adoga.
According to a statement issued by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Okor Odey, the charges—filed under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026—include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
In a related development, the Commission has also filed a separate case against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule at the Kaduna State High Court. The case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, involves allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The ICPC stated that both cases were instituted on March 18, 2026, as part of its ongoing anti-corruption efforts. While proceedings at the Federal High Court have begun, a date for the State High Court hearing is yet to be fixed.
The Commission also confirmed that the former governor has been duly served with the charges.