JUST-IN: Court defers El-Rufai’s bail hearing to Wednesday amid heightened security

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to Wednesday.

Counsel to the ex-governor, Ukpong Abang, confirmed the development shortly after Tuesday’s proceedings, declining to provide further details as legal processes continue.

“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.

Following the session, El-Rufai was escorted out of the court premises by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a white Hilux vehicle.

Earlier, the former governor had arrived at the Federal High Court under tight security for the hearing of his bail application in an ongoing corruption trial. The heavy security presence mirrored the atmosphere during his arraignment last week.

El-Rufai was arraigned before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. His continued detention for over a month has drawn significant public attention.

Although the matter was initially scheduled for March 31, 2026, proceedings were impacted after the ICPC granted him temporary release on March 27 on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

In a related development, El-Rufai was earlier on Tuesday arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo on separate charges alongside Amadu Sule. The charges include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

The charges at the State High Court are distinct from those before the Federal High Court. After the state proceedings, the ICPC transferred him to the Federal High Court within the same premises for continuation of his trial.

With the latest adjournment, the court is expected to resume hearing on the bail application on Wednesday.

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