A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has adjourned proceedings on the bail application of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to March 31st, 2026.
The decision followed Tuesdayās hearing, during which legal arguments were presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
At the court session, counsel to the defendant, 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 defense.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the charges against El-Rufai are serious and that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.
The development followed an earlier announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that it would arraign El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
In a statement by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission disclosed that El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
According to the agency, the charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
āThe Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufaāi, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The charges range from conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering,ā the statement read.
The commission also disclosed that a separate charge, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, had been filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
It said the charges in the state case include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
āSimilarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufaāi and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,ā the agency added.
The ICPC stated that both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that the date for arraignment in the state court would be communicated later. It also maintained that El-Rufai had been duly served, reaffirming its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
The arraignment follows mounting pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which had demanded either his release or arraignment, describing his continued detention without formal charges as unconstitutional.
Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern had criticised his prolonged detention, while members of his family raised concerns over alleged rights violations.
GISTSMATE MEDIA had earlier reported that El-Rufai was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, granted bail on February 18, and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC. He had since remained in custody pending his arraignment.
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