El-Rufai’s Bail Hearing Postponed Amid Heightened Security

The Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday adjourned the bail hearing of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, until Wednesday. The session was held under heavy security, reflecting the high public interest surrounding the high-profile corruption case.

Ukpong Akpan, counsel to El-Rufai, confirmed the adjournment but declined to provide further details, citing ongoing court work. “I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he said.

Following the proceedings, El-Rufai was escorted from the court premises by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a white Hilux vehicle.

El-Rufai is facing trial before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge that includes alleged conversion and possession of public property as well as money laundering. He had spent over a month in detention, attracting widespread public attention, before being released on March 27, 2026, on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

Earlier on Tuesday, El-Rufai was arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court in Kawo on separate charges alongside Amadu Sule. The charges, also filed by the anti-corruption commission, include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage, and are distinct from those before the Federal High Court.

After the state court proceedings, El-Rufai was returned to the Federal High Court within the same premises for the continuation of his bail hearing. The court is expected to resume the session on Wednesday.