A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application hearing for the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, until March 31, 2026.
The decision comes after a heated court session on Tuesday, March 24, where both the defense and prosecution presented conflicting arguments regarding the former governor's temporary release.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Ukpon Akpan, pleaded with the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.
According to court reports from the Kaduna Judicial Division, the defense emphasized El-Rufai's constitutional rights and the necessity of his freedom to adequately prepare for the multi-billion naira corruption trial.
However, the prosecution strongly kicked against the application, describing the charges—which include money laundering and conversion of public property—as "grave."
“The prosecution argued that the charges against El-Rufai are serious and expressed concerns that granting bail at this stage could potentially interfere with ongoing investigations and the integrity of the trial,” a source within the court revealed.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the matter, opted for the adjournment to allow for a thorough review of the legal arguments.
Consequently, the former governor will remain in the custody of the anti-graft agency pending the final determination of the bail application next week.
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