Nasis El-Rufai
Olamilekan Abayomi
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the hearing of Nasir El-Rufai’s bail application to April 14, 2026. The former Kaduna State governor is facing charges of alleged corruption, including conversion of public property and money laundering, brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai was taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) after the court proceedings, reportedly heading to Abuja. His lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), expressed optimism about the court’s decision, stating they’ve put their arguments before the court and are awaiting the ruling.
The court had initially fixed March 31, 2026, to hear pending applications, including the bail request, but adjourned it to April 1, 2026, after the prosecution filed a counter-affidavit. El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently facing separate charges at the Kaduna State High Court for abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The ICPC arraigned El-Rufai on a 10-count charge, and he was granted compassionate release on March 27, 2026, following his mother’s death. The former governor’s legal troubles have sparked public interest, with supporters and stakeholders expected to attend the court session on April 14.
El-Rufai’s defence team is prepared for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, involving the DSS. The team has filed all necessary processes and is ready to proceed.
The court’s decision on April 14 will determine El-Rufai’s fate, with possibilities of bail or continued detention. The prosecution had urged the court to deny the application, citing concerns about influencing witnesses or obstructing investigations.
The adjournment has sparked reactions, with some viewing it as a normal part of the legal process, while others see it as a delay tactic. The court’s ruling will be closely watched, given El-Rufai’s influential position and the nature of the charges.
