El-Rufai to remain in custody as court defers bail decision to June

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai will remain in custody following the decision of the Kaduna State High Court to adjourn ruling on his bail application until June 2026.

Presiding judge, Darius Khobo, on Tuesday deferred the much-anticipated ruling, extending the former governor’s detention as legal proceedings continue. El-Rufai is currently facing an amended nine-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, and mismanagement of public funds during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.

El-Rufai arrived at the court premises under tight security, escorted by operatives of the ICPC and the Department of State Services (DSS). Although his legal team pushed for bail, the court’s decision to delay ruling has prolonged his stay in custody.

Lead counsel, Ubong Akpan, expressed dissatisfaction with the adjournment, describing it as politically influenced.

The charges against the former governor include multiple financial infractions, including the alleged approval of ₦11 billion for a light rail project that was reportedly not executed, claims that he received ₦289.8 million in severance pay far exceeding the statutory limit, and accusations of mismanaging over $1 million from a World Bank development loan.

In a separate development, El-Rufai had earlier secured bail in a different case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna. Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted him bail set at ₦200 million with two sureties.

However, his continued detention is tied to the pending bail decision in the Kaduna State High Court case.

El-Rufai has denied all allegations, insisting the charges are aimed at damaging his reputation.

Supporters gathered outside the court during Tuesday’s proceedings, while security agencies maintained order around the premises. The case has been adjourned to June 2026 for continuation.