The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has postponed the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to Wednesday. The adjournment was confirmed on Tuesday by his counsel, Ukpong Abang (SAN), who spoke briefly with journalists after the session. He declined to give further details, noting that legal proceedings were still ongoing and additional filings were required.
Following the court session, Nasir El-Rufai was escorted out of the premises under tight security by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He was taken away in an official vehicle shortly after proceedings concluded.
Earlier in the day, the former governor had arrived at the court amid a strong security presence for the continuation of his trial. This mirrors the heavy security observed during his arraignment last week before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, where he was charged on a 10-count indictment. The charges include alleged conversion and unlawful possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly as Nasir El-Rufai had spent over a month in detention prior to the hearing. The court had originally scheduled March 31, 2026, for the consideration of pending applications, including his bail request, but proceedings have now been shifted.
In a related development, the ICPC had earlier granted him temporary release on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, on March 27.
Separately, on the same day, Nasir El-Rufai was also arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court alongside Amadu Sule on different charges. These include allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The charges at the State High Court are distinct from those being handled at the Federal High Court.
After the proceedings at the State High Court, the ICPC transferred the former governor back to the Federal High Court within the same judicial complex for the continuation of his trial. With the latest adjournment, the hearing of his bail application is now expected to resume on Wednesday.
