A Kaduna State High Court has refused to grant bail to former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, citing the weight of the allegations against him and concerns that he could obstruct ongoing investigations.
Justice D.H. Khobo, who delivered the ruling on April 21, 2026, held that the application lacked merit in view of the circumstances surrounding the case instituted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
El-Rufai had, in a motion dated March 25, 2026, urged the court to admit him to bail on self-recognisance or on liberal terms, arguing that the charges were not capital offences and that he was entitled to bail under the law.
He also maintained that he had verifiable addresses, strong community ties and sufficient assets, which, according to him, ruled out any likelihood of absconding.
The former governor further told the court that he voluntarily returned to Nigeria from Egypt in February to honour an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, insisting that the charges against him were defective.
He also cited health concerns, claiming he required specialised medical care.
However, the ICPC opposed the application, describing the allegations as grave and economically damaging.
In a counter-affidavit, the agency argued that El-Rufai posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations involving other suspects.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that the ex-governor obstructed law enforcement officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in February, a claim it said underscored the risk of granting him bail. It further dismissed his health claims for lack of supporting medical evidence.
Ruling on the application, Justice Khobo agreed with the prosecution, holding that the seriousness of the nine-count charge and credible concerns over interference made it unsafe to release the defendant at this stage.
He stated that the interest of justice would be better served by ensuring the defendant remains in custody to guarantee his availability for trial, particularly as investigations were still ongoing and other suspects were yet to be apprehended.
The court also faulted the defence for failing to substantiate its medical claims with credible evidence.
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Consequently, the judge ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending the commencement of trial and directed that proceedings be fast-tracked.
The court subsequently fixed June 1 to June 4, 2026, for day-to-day hearing of the case.
