A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has adjourned proceedings on the bail application of former Governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, 2026.
The decision was made after Tuesday’s hearing, during which legal arguments were presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
At the court session, counsel to the defendant, Mr Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant his client bail, citing constitutional rights and the need to allow the former governor adequate time to prepare his defence.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the charges against Mr El-Rufai are serious and that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.
The former Kaduna State governor was arraigned by the ICPC over charges related to alleged corruption and abuse of office when he administered the North-Western state from 2015 to 2023.
Ahead of El-Rufai’s arraignment on Tuesday, security presence in the Kaduna State capital and around the court has been significantly heightened, with armed personnel stationed at key entry points to forestall any breakdown of law and order, as supporters and observers gathered outside the premises.
It was widely reported that coverage was restricted, with journalists barred from entering the courtroom to witness the proceedings.
The former governor was arraigned by the ICPC alongside Mr Joel Adoga before the Kaduna Federal High Court.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr John Okor Odey, the arraignment follows charges filed under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026. The charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
In a related development, the ICPC has also filed a separate case against Mr El-Rufai and Mr Amadu Sule before the Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, contains allegations ranging from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.
The commission disclosed that both charges were instituted on March 18, 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to enforce accountability and combat corruption.
While the arraignment at the Federal High Court is scheduled for Tuesday, the date for the hearing at the State High Court is yet to be announced and will be communicated in due course.
The ICPC further confirmed that the former governor has been duly served with the charges.