ICPC opposes El-Rufai’s fresh bail bid as court adjourns hearing

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has opposed a fresh bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing corruption-related case before the Kaduna State High Court.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, defence counsel, Mr Ubong Akpang, informed the court that a new bail application had been filed, stressing that it bordered on the liberty of the defendant and should be given urgent consideration.

However, ICPC counsel, Mr Ibrahim Mukhtar, told the court that he had just been served with additional affidavits in support of the application and needed time to respond adequately.

Following submissions from both parties, the court adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application.

It would be recalled that the court had earlier refused El-Rufai bail after holding that he failed to effectively challenge the ICPC’s counter-affidavit, which raised issues including alleged flight risk, obstruction of arrest, refusal to surrender travel documents, and possible interference with witnesses.

Justice D.H. Khobo had ruled that bail is discretionary and must serve the interest of justice, adding that the defendant’s status could influence ongoing investigations.

The court also noted that failure to controvert key allegations in the prosecution’s affidavit amounted to admission of those facts, while claims regarding ill health were dismissed for lack of supporting evidence.

Despite the earlier refusal, the defence has now returned with a fresh application, which the ICPC has firmly opposed, insisting that the defendant should remain in custody pending trial.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to diligent prosecution of corruption cases and adherence to due process.

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