A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, ordering that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending the next hearing.
El-Rufai was arraigned on Tuesday on allegations bordering on the conversion of public property and money laundering, charges filed against him by the anti-corruption agency.
The former governor was brought to court under tight security, arriving around 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the court premises briefly before being ushered into the courtroom, as heavy security presence underscored the high-profile nature of the case.
During proceedings, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, appealed to the court to grant bail, arguing that his client required freedom to adequately prepare his defence. However, the prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that releasing the defendant at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations.
Following arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the bail hearing to March 31, effectively extending El-Rufai’s stay in ICPC custody.
The former governor has been in detention since February 19, after initially being released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His continued custody has sparked public debate, with opinions divided over the legality and duration of his detention.
Sources indicate that El-Rufai declined to respond to questions during ICPC interrogation, invoking his constitutional right to remain silent. Earlier, on March 5, a magistrate court had extended his remand order by 14 days.
In a parallel legal move, El-Rufai has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging both the search of his residence and the legality of his remand.
The case continues to draw national attention as legal proceedings unfold, with the next hearing expected to determine whether the former governor will be granted bail or remain in custody.
Court Adjourns El-Rufai’s Bail Hearing, Orders Continued ICPC Custody
