The Federal High Court in Kaduna has reserved ruling on the bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, until today, following proceedings in his ongoing trial over alleged financial crimes.
El-Rufai, who is facing a 10-count charge including alleged conversion and possession of public property as well as money laundering, appeared in court under heavy security. The strong security presence highlighted the high-profile nature of the case. After the session, his counsel, Mr. Ukpong Abang (SAN), confirmed that the court adjourned the bail hearing to allow for further filings.
The former governor, who has reportedly spent over a month in detention, was escorted from the court by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He had earlier been granted temporary release on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother in Cairo.
In a related development, El-Rufai was also arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court alongside Amadu Sule on separate charges, including alleged abuse of office and fraud. These charges are distinct from those before the Federal High Court.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, another Federal High Court has fixed June 17 to hear a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by El-Rufai against the ICPC and other parties. The suit challenges the legality of a search conducted at his Abuja residence, which he claims violated his constitutional rights.
El-Rufai is contesting the validity of the search warrant used, arguing that it lacked proper legal basis and failed to meet constitutional standards. He further alleged that the search and seizure carried out by ICPC operatives and police officers breached his rights to privacy, dignity, personal liberty, and fair hearing.
Among the reliefs sought, he is asking the court to declare the search unlawful, render any evidence obtained inadmissible, and compel authorities to return all items seized from his residence.
During proceedings in Abuja, the court struck out the name of a magistrate initially listed in the suit after an application by El-Rufai’s counsel. Despite objections from the ICPC, the court ruled that the case could proceed and directed the anti-graft agency to file its response.
