Court Adjourns El-Rufai Bail Ruling to Tuesday After Prosecution Amends Charges
The Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the bail ruling for former Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to Tuesday, April 14, following significant developments in the case. This decision came after the prosecution lawyers amended the charges against El-Rufai, leading to a procedural delay as the defence team requested time to review the new allegations.
Amended Charges and Procedural Adjustments
During the resumed arraignment on Monday, the court read out the amended charges, after which El-Rufai entered his plea. In a notable move, the prosecution counsel removed one of the previously listed co-defendants, leaving only El-Rufai to stand trial. This adjustment has streamlined the case, focusing the legal proceedings solely on the former governor.
Counsel to Mallam El-Rufai, Ubong Akpan, addressed journalists after the session, explaining that the court proceedings were largely centered on the fresh charges. He emphasized that the defence team needs adequate time to study the amended charges before the substantive hearing can proceed. According to Akpan, the charges are new and require thorough examination to ensure a fair trial.
Bail Application and Adjournment
A bail application was moved and taken by the court during the hearing. However, due to the introduction of amended charges, the matter was adjourned for ruling. Akpan stated, "The motion for bail was taken. The court took the plea of the defendant and the prosecution amended the charge and removed one person, leaving only Mallam El-Rufai to face prosecution." He added that the defence would need time to properly review the amended charges before moving forward.
The case has been officially adjourned to Tuesday, April 14, for the ruling on the bail application. This adjournment allows both the prosecution and defence to prepare adequately, ensuring that all legal aspects are addressed before the trial progresses further.
