Drama In Court As ICPC Rejects El-Rufai’s New Bail Application

According to Ireporter Online, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a counter-affidavit opposing a fresh bail application brought by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in an ongoing matter before the Kaduna State High Court.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, counsel to the defendant, Ubong Akpang, informed the court that a new bail application had been filed, stressing that the issue bordered on the liberty of his client. He further noted that all relevant processes had been duly filed and served, adding that the defence was prepared to proceed with the hearing.

However, counsel to the ICPC, Ibrahim Mukhtar, told the court that he had only just been served with the defendant’s further affidavit in support of the application and therefore required time to adequately study the new filings. Following the development, the court adjourned the matter until May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application.

It was recalled that the court had earlier declined El-Rufai’s bail request in a previous application. Justice D.H. Khobo ruled that the defendant failed to file a further affidavit to challenge the ICPC’s counter-affidavit, which introduced fresh allegations, including concerns that he may be a flight risk due to his influence and resources, alleged interference with lawful arrest procedures at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, refusal to surrender travel documents and electronic devices for investigation, and possible interference with witnesses and evidence.

The court also held that bail remains at the discretion of the court and must serve the interest of justice, noting that the defendant’s status could potentially affect ongoing investigations where some suspects remain at large. It further observed that key allegations raised by the prosecution were not sufficiently contested, which it considered as admitted, while also dismissing health-related claims for lack of evidence.

Despite the earlier ruling ordering that he remain in ICPC custody pending trial and directing an accelerated hearing, the defence proceeded with a fresh bail application. The ICPC, however, maintained that it remains committed to diligent prosecution of corruption-related cases and the upholding of due process before the court.