El-Rufai’s bail hearing adjourned as court resumes ICPC case in Kaduna
The Kaduna State High Court on Monday adjourned the bail application hearing of former governor Nasir El-Rufai to April 14, 2026, in an ongoing case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai appeared in court under tight security as proceedings continued over allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office brought against him and a co-defendant, Amadu Sule.
During the session, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all nine charges preferred against him by the ICPC when he was arraigned on March 18, 2026.
The ICPC informed the court that it had withdrawn charges against the second defendant, Amadu Sule, a request which was granted by the presiding judge.
El-Rufai’s counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the former governor was not a flight risk and was willing to comply with any conditions set by the court.
However, the prosecution opposed the bail application, insisting that the charges required careful judicial consideration before any decision could be made.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Darius Khobo adjourned the matter to April 14 for continuation of hearing and a possible ruling on the bail request.
The defence counsel later said the charges were newly served in court and required time for review, adding that El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody pending further proceedings.
