Court Denies Bail: El-Rufai to Remain in ICPC Custody Until June

By Tgnews Reporter

A Kaduna State High Court has adjourned its ruling on the bail application of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to June 2026, meaning the embattled politician will remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for at least another six weeks.

Justice Darius Khobo, presiding over the case, reserved his decision on the bail plea after hearing arguments last Tuesday. The ruling, initially expected on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, has now been pushed forward to June.

El-Rufai was arraigned last week on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office, filed by the ICPC. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The development comes despite El-Rufai being granted bail last week by a Federal High Court in Kaduna in a separate corruption case also instituted by the ICPC. In that ruling, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa admitted him to bail in the sum of ₦200 million, with stringent conditions including a ban on making public comments about the case and mandatory attendance at all court sittings.

He was, however, ordered to remain in ICPC custody until the bail conditions were fully satisfied.

Speaking to journalists after Tuesday’s proceedings, Ukpon Akpan, counsel to the former governor, criticised the repeated adjournments, describing them as “politically motivated.”

The case has drawn significant public attention, with several high-profile figures, including former Senate President David Mark and Vice President Kashim Shettima, recently paying condolence visits to El-Rufai following the death of his mother.

El-Rufai’s legal team is expected to continue pushing for his release as the matter progresses. The ICPC has maintained that the former governor must remain in custody pending the fulfilment of all bail conditions and the ongoing trial.

Further hearing in the case continues as the court deliberates on the bail application.