Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai will remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) after the Kaduna State High Court adjourned its ruling on his bail application.
The presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, fixed the first week of June for the ruling following arguments from both parties on Tuesday.
The case stems from an amended nine-count charge filed against the former governor, bordering on allegations of fraud, abuse of office and corruption.
The anti-corruption agency had earlier amended its charges, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant in the matter.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, defence counsel Ukpong Akpan expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, saying the legal team would challenge the ruling.
He noted that the court’s refusal to grant bail was based on concerns that the former governor could interfere with ongoing investigations — a position the defence firmly rejected.
“The court, in its wisdom, decided that because Nasir El-Rufai is a former governor, he is going to interfere with the investigation. Therefore, he is not entitled to bail on an allegation of financial impropriety. We respectfully disagree,” he said.
Akpan added that the defence would review the ruling in detail and pursue appropriate legal remedies in line with due process.
According to him, the case bears political undertones, although the defence remains committed to addressing the matter strictly within the framework of the law.
“From the beginning, everything about Nasir El-Rufai’s travails has always been political. This is mainly the legal arm of it,” he stated.
He also urged supporters and associates of the former governor to remain calm and law-abiding despite the development.
“Don’t allow fear to take over. Don’t act as if something fatal has happened. Nobody has died,” he said, urging continued confidence in the legal process.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to the first week of June for the ruling on the bail application and continuation of proceedings.
