JUSTICE Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June 2026.
News Point Nigeria reports that El-Rufai is currently facing arraignment on multiple charges bordering on alleged financial crimes and abuse of office, brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to the commission, another charge marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26 has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule (LEDA).
“The charges in the State High Court case range from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, among others. Both charges were filed by the ICPC on the 18th of March, 2026,” the commission said last month.
Reacting after the court session, counsel to the former governor, Ukpon Akpan, criticised the repeated adjournment of the bail hearing by the presiding judge, describing it as politically motivated.
The high-profile case has continued to attract widespread public attention, with heavy security presence observed around the court premises.
The former governor arrived at the court at about 9 a.m. in a convoy, accompanied by ICPC officials and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
During the proceedings, supporters of El-Rufai gathered outside the courtroom, while security agencies maintained order and restricted movement within the vicinity.
Inside the courtroom, journalists were, as usual, barred from attending, as proceedings are expected to focus on arguments from both the defence and prosecution concerning the bail application.
At the previous sitting, the defence team maintained that their client does not pose a flight risk and is ready to comply with any conditions set by the court.
The prosecution, however, urged the court to take into account the seriousness of the charges in determining the bail request.
The 66-year-old former Kaduna governor has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
El-Rufai, who also served as a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was, however, released on March 27 on compassionate grounds after the death of his mother.