By Haruna Salami
A Federal High Court in Kaduna State has fixed 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, stressing his client’s constitutional rights and the need for sufficient time to prepare his defence.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, citing the gravity of the charges and warning that granting bail could hinder ongoing investigations.
El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations bordering on corruption and abuse of office, including claims of financial misconduct during his tenure.
Security was significantly tightened around the Kaduna State capital and the court premises ahead of the arraignment, with armed personnel deployed at key points to maintain order as supporters and observers gathered.
Journalists, however, were 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 instituted 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 said both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, as part of its ongoing anti-corruption efforts. While proceedings at the Federal High Court have commenced, a hearing date for the State High Court case is yet to be announced.
The Commission confirmed that the former governor has been duly served with the charges.
