A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has shifted the hearing on the bail request of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, 2026.
The decision came after Tuesday’s session, where lawyers on both sides made their arguments on whether the ex-governor should be granted bail.
Counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, asked the court to release his client, arguing that he is entitled to personal liberty under the law and needs adequate time to prepare his defence.
On the other hand, the prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that the seriousness of the allegations requires caution. They argued that granting bail at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations.
The charges were brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is prosecuting El-Rufai over alleged financial misconduct.
According to the commission, the former governor is facing allegations including conversion and possession of public assets, as well as money laundering, in a case filed alongside one Joel Adoga before the Federal High Court.
The ICPC also confirmed a separate case filed at a Kaduna State High Court involving El-Rufai and another defendant, Amadu Sule. The charges in that matter include alleged abuse of office, fraud, and granting undue advantage.
The agency stated that both cases were filed on March 18, noting that the former governor had been properly served in accordance with legal requirements.
El-Rufai’s ongoing legal situation has attracted significant public attention in recent weeks, prompting reactions from political actors and civil society groups, including the African Democratic Congress, which has called for either his release or formal arraignment.
He was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, granted bail two days later, and later re-arrested by the ICPC. He has since remained in custody.
With the court expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application at the end of the month, attention continues to focus on the unfolding legal proceedings.
