•El-Rufai and ICPC operative
A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has fixed April 14 , 2026, to deliver its ruling on the bail application filed by former governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai.
Proceedings at the court today saw both the defence and prosecution present final arguments on the bail request.
Lead counsel to El-Rufai, Iyamu Oyewole, argued that bail is a constitutional right and stated that their client had strong ties within the country, making him unlikely to abscond.
On the other hand, the prosecution urged the court to deny the application, citing concerns that the former governor could influence witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations if released.
After listening to both sides, the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, adjourned the matter, stating that a ruling would be delivered on April 14, 2026.
El-Rufai is to remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), pending the determination of his bail application on April 14.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is currently facing legal proceedings over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office brought against him by the ICPC.
The former governor, dressed in a light brown outfit and cap, arrived at the court at about 9 a.m. on Wednesday amid tight security.
At the resumed hearing at the court in Kaduna on Wednesday, security was heightened around the court premises ahead of the anticipated ruling, with observers expecting a large turnout of supporters and political stakeholders.
El-Rufai, through his lawyers, had yesterday applied to the court seeking bail pending the determination of his case.
