A Kaduna High Court has denied bail to former governor Nasir el-Rufai, ruling that he remain in custody pending trial over alleged corruption charges.
Nasir el-Rufai has been denied bail by a Kaduna State High Court, which ruled that he should remain in custody pending the commencement of his trial on corruption-related charges.
Delivering the ruling on April 21, presiding judge Darius Khobo held that it was in the interest of justice for the former governor to remain in custody to ensure his availability for trial. El-Rufai, who was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on nine counts bordering on alleged conferment of benefit under false pretences and dishonest disposal of loan funds, pleaded not guilty. The court noted that while the defendant argued the offences were non-capital and cited his status, voluntary return to Nigeria, and health concerns, the prosecution opposed the application, describing the alleged offences as “economically sabotaging” and raising concerns about possible interference with witnesses.
In his ruling, the judge stated that el-Rufai’s bail application “relies heavily” on his status, adding that his “high status is a double-edged sword”. He also emphasised that the applicant failed to counter the prosecution’s claims with a further affidavit, leaving the allegations “unchallenged and deemed to be admitted as being correct”. The court further noted the absence of medical evidence to support claims of ill health, stating: “Accordingly, the Defendant/Applicant’s application for bail pending trial fails and is hereby REFUSED.” The court ordered that he remain in ICPC custody while directing that the trial commence expeditiously, with hearings scheduled for June 1 to 4, 2026.
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