The bid for bail by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, suffered a setback on Tuesday as a Kaduna State High Court adjourned ruling on his application, ordering that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission until early June.
The trial judge, Darius Khobo, fixed the first week of June for the ruling after listening to arguments on the bail request in a case involving allegations of fraud, abuse of office and corruption.
The development comes amid an amended nine-count charge by the anti-corruption agency, which now lists El-Rufai as the sole defendant in the matter.
Following the proceedings, defence counsel, Ukpong Akpan, criticised the court’s decision, arguing that the refusal to grant bail was unjustified and based on speculative concerns.
He said the court hinged its decision on the assumption that the former governor might interfere with ongoing investigations, a claim he described as unfounded.
“We respectfully disagree with the position of the court. The suggestion that he would interfere with investigations simply because he is a former governor is not tenable,” he said.
Akpan further disclosed that the defence team would take immediate legal steps to challenge the decision through appropriate judicial channels.
He maintained that the case reflects broader political undercurrents, insisting that the former governor’s legal challenges cannot be separated from the political environment.
“From the onset, this matter has carried political undertones, but we will continue to address it strictly within the ambit of the law,” he stated.
The lawyer also appealed to supporters of the former governor to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, assuring them that the legal process remains the best avenue for redress.
Meanwhile, the adjournment means El-Rufai will remain in ICPC custody pending the court’s decision on whether he should be granted bail as the case proceeds.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling in the first week of June, a decision that could shape the next phase of the high-profile trial.