A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has adjourned hearing on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to 31 March 2026.
The adjournment followed proceedings on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, during which both the prosecution and defence presented arguments on the bail request.
Counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, citing his client’s constitutional rights and the need to adequately prepare for trial.
The prosecution, however, opposed the application, arguing that the charges against the former governor are weighty and that granting bail could hinder ongoing investigations.
El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations bordering on corruption and abuse of office, including claims of financial misconduct during his tenure.
Ahead of the arraignment, security was significantly tightened across Kaduna, particularly around the court premises, with armed personnel deployed at strategic points as supporters and observers gathered.
Journalists were, however, denied access to the courtroom during the proceedings.
The former governor was arraigned alongside Joel Adoga before the Kaduna Federal High Court.
According to a statement issued by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Okor Odey, the charges were filed under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026 and include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
In a related case, the commission has also filed charges against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule before the Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division.
The case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, involves allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The ICPC stated that both cases were instituted on 18 March 2026 as part of its efforts to strengthen accountability and tackle corruption.
While proceedings have commenced at the Federal High Court, a date for the hearing at the State High Court is yet to be fixed.
The commission also confirmed that the former governor has been duly served with the charges.
