ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered that former overnor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, remain in custody as it fixed April 14, 2026, to rule on his bail application in an ongoing corruption trial that continues to draw national attention.
The decision followed Wednesday’s proceedings, where both the defence and prosecution squared off in a high-stakes legal battle over whether the former governor should be granted bail pending the determination of the case.
Lead counsel to El-Rufai, Iyamu Oyewole, urged the court to admit his client to bail, insisting that it is a constitutional right and arguing that the former governor has deep roots in Nigeria and poses no flight risk.
But the prosecution pushed back strongly, warning that granting bail could jeopardise the integrity of the trial.
According to the prosecution, there are fears that El-Rufai could influence witnesses or interfere with ongoing investigations if released from custody.
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After listening to both sides, the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, adjourned the matter, announcing that a ruling on the bail application would be delivered on April 14.
Pending that decision, the court ordered that El-Rufai be remanded in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is prosecuting him over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.
The former governor, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, arrived at the court premises around 9:00am in a light brown outfit and cap, under tight security presence.
Security was significantly beefed up around the court, with armed operatives controlling access and maintaining order amid expectations of heightened public and political interest in the proceedings.
El-Rufai had filed his bail application a day earlier through his legal team, setting the stage for Wednesday’s intense courtroom exchanges.
With the ruling now deferred, attention shifts to April 14, when the court’s decision could determine whether the former governor regains temporary freedom or remains in custody as his trial unfolds.