The Federal High Court in Kaduna has fixed March 31, 2026, to hear the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his arraignment on corruption-related charges.
El-Rufai was on Tuesday arraigned before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) after spending 38 days in detention.
The anti-graft agency filed a 10-count charge against the former governor, bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
After the arraignment, the court adjourned proceedings to March 31 to hear pending applications, including the defendant’s bail request.
Defence Raises Objection
Counsel to the former governor, Ubong Akpan, told journalists that the charges were largely linked to alleged deposits into his client’s domiciliary account and the monetisation of his earnings.
Akpan said the defence had objected to the arraignment on the grounds that there was a pending matter involving the presiding judge, but noted that the court proceeded with the process.
According to him, no bail application was moved during Tuesday’s sitting, explaining that the matter had been adjourned specifically for that purpose.
Supporters, Son Show Solidarity
Speaking after the court session, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North and son of the embattled ex-governor, Bello El-Rufai, described his father as the “father of modern Kaduna” and expressed confidence in the judicial process.
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Supporters of the former governor also gathered at the court premises, chanting solidarity slogans and insisting that the charges were politically motivated.
Tight Security at Court Premises
Security was heightened around the court area, located within the old Nigerian Defence Academy, with operatives of the DSS, police, and other agencies deployed to maintain order.
Vehicular movement along the Ungwan Sarki–Kawo axis was restricted, leading to traffic disruption in the area.
El-Rufai arrived at the court around 9:00 a.m. under heavy security and was later escorted into the courtroom. Journalists were, however, denied access to cover proceedings inside.
Multiple Charges, Earlier Arrest
The ICPC disclosed that El-Rufai was arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
It also noted that a separate case involving the former governor and another individual, Amadu Sule, is pending before a Kaduna State High Court on allegations including abuse of office and fraud.
The arraignment followed his earlier arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in February, after which he was granted bail and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC.
The case has continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders and civil society groups, with calls for adherence to due process and the rule of law.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
