By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned proceedings on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The decision followed Tuesday’s hearing, March 24, 2026, during which legal arguments were presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
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Counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant his client bail, citing constitutional rights and the need to allow the former governor adequate time to prepare his defence.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the charges against El-Rufai are serious and that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.
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El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alongside one Joel Adoga before the Federal High Court in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
The charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
In a related development, the ICPC has also filed a separate case against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before the Kaduna State High Court (suit number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26). The counts in the state case range from abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage, among others.
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Both charges were filed on March 18, 2026. The date for arraignment in the Kaduna State High Court is yet to be announced and will be communicated in due course.
The ICPC confirmed that El-Rufai has been duly served with the charges.
Ahead of the proceedings, security presence in Kaduna metropolis and around the court premises was significantly heightened, with armed personnel stationed at key entry points to forestall any breakdown of law and order. Supporters and observers gathered outside the premises.
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Journalists who arrived early to cover the proceedings were barred from entering the courtroom by security operatives.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, 2026, after being transferred from EFCC detention. He voluntarily reported to the EFCC on February 16 following earlier attempts by security agents to arrest him at Abuja airport upon his return from abroad.
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The former governor has consistently described the cases against him as politically motivated persecution linked to his defection from the APC to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and his criticism of the Tinubu administration.
This is a developing story. DDNewsOnline will provide updates as proceedings continue on March 31.
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By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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