The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned hearing on the bail application by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, to March 31st.
The adjournment followed proceedings on Tuesday where both the defence and prosecution counsels presented arguments on whether the ex-governor should be granted bail or not.
Counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to release his client, citing his constitutional right to liberty and the need to adequately prepare for his trial.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the weight of the evidence against el-Rufai requires caution.
The prosecution argued further that granting bail at this stage could affect on-going investigations, adding that witnesses could be hurt.
The case stems from charges filed 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 charges bordering on conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
He is being tried along with one Joel Adoga in a suit before the Federal High Court.
In addition, the ICPC disclosed that a separate charge has been filed at a Kaduna State High Court against el-Rufai and another defendant, Amadu Sule.
The charge included alleged abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage to himself and his cronies while in office.
The anti-graft agency stated that both cases were filed on March 18th, adding that the former governor had been duly served in line with legal procedures.
el-Rufai’s arraignment follows weeks of legal and public scrutiny.
The former governor was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16th, 2026, granted bail two days later, and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC.
He has remained in custody since then.
