The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail hearing of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to Wednesday amid tight security, as proceedings continue in his ongoing corruption trial
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai until Wednesday, following proceedings held under tight security.
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The session, which attracted heavy security presence, reflected growing public interest in the ongoing high-profile corruption case.
Counsel to the former governor, Ukpong Akpan, confirmed the adjournment after the court sitting but declined to provide further details.
“I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he said.
Shortly after proceedings, El-Rufai was escorted out of the court premises by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in a white Hilux vehicle.
He had earlier appeared in court amid heavy security for the continuation of hearing on his bail request.
The security presence mirrored the arrangement during his earlier arraignment, underscoring the sensitivity of the trial.
El-Rufai is facing a 10-count charge before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, bordering on alleged conversion, possession of public property, and money laundering.
The former governor spent over a month in detention before being brought to court, drawing nationwide attention.
Court proceedings had earlier been scheduled for March 31, 2026, for all pending applications, including the bail request.
However, he was temporarily released on compassionate grounds on March 27, 2026, following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo.
In a related development, El-Rufai was also arraigned at a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo on separate charges of abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud.
The charges filed by the anti-corruption agency are distinct from those before the Federal High Court.
After proceedings at the State High Court, he was moved back to the Federal High Court within the same premises for continuation of hearing.
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The bail application hearing is now expected to resume on Wednesday.
