A Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail hearing for former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to April 14, ordering that he remain in ICPC custody following his “not guilty” plea to a 10-count charge of money laundering and property conversion.
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, to April 14, 2026. During the proceedings on Wednesday, the presiding judge, Rilwanu Aikawa, set the new date after hearing initial arguments from both the defense team and the prosecution representing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The court subsequently ordered that the former governor remain in the custody of the ICPC pending the determination of his bail application on the fixed date, marking a significant turn in the high-profile legal proceedings.
El-Rufai was formally arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on the alleged conversion of public property and money laundering during his tenure as governor. Arriving at the court premises around 9:00 a.m. in a black Hilux vehicle under the escort of Department of State Services (DSS) officials, the former governor appeared calm, dressed in a light brown riga and cap. Upon the reading of the charges, he pleaded not guilty to all counts, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle over the management of Kaduna State’s assets and finances.
Following the adjournment, members of the defense team briefly addressed the media regarding the day’s events. Ubong Akpan (SAN), one of the counsels representing El-Rufai, confirmed the timeline for the next hearing but noted that “the lead team leader will address the journalists later” to provide a more comprehensive statement on their legal strategy. As the April 14 date approaches, the case continues to draw significant national attention, serving as a litmus test for the ICPC’s ongoing efforts to prosecute high-level administrative misconduct.
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