By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the hearing of a bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to April 14, 2026, as legal proceedings continue over allegations of financial misconduct.
El-Rufai, who appeared in court under tight security on Monday, pleaded not guilty to a nine-count charge brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The charges, filed on March 18, border on alleged financial impropriety and abuse of office.
In a significant development during the session, the court granted the prosecution’s request to strike out the name of the second defendant, Amadu Sule, effectively leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant in the case.
Counsel to the former governor, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, maintaining that his client poses no flight risk and is prepared to comply with any conditions imposed by the court. However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the gravity of the charges warrants thorough judicial scrutiny.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, adjourned the matter for further hearing and a possible ruling on the bail request.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Akpan disclosed that the charges were only served on the defence team in court on Monday, limiting their ability to respond adequately.
“The charges are basically new… we need time to study and analyse them,” he said.
El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody pending the next hearing.
