The Kaduna State High Court has deferred ruling on the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, directing that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission pending a decision.
Presiding judge, Darius Khobo, adjourned the matter to April 21, 2026, after hearing submissions from both parties on the bail request.
El-Rufai was arraigned last week on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office filed by the anti-corruption agency.
He had appeared before the court for the hearing of his bail application, but the judge declined to deliver an immediate ruling, opting to reserve judgment.
The decision effectively keeps the former governor in ICPC custody as legal proceedings continue.
The development comes amid a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where El-Rufai is also standing trial on corruption-related charges instituted by the ICPC.
In that case, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa granted him bail in the sum of N200 million but ordered that he remain in custody until the bail conditions are met.
The Federal High Court also imposed restrictions on the former governor, including a directive barring him from making public comments on the case and mandating his attendance at all court sittings.
Speaking after proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ukpon Akpan, confirmed the adjournment and criticised the delay in ruling on the bail application.
He alleged that the prolonged process was politically motivated, a claim that has not been addressed by the ICPC.
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