El-Rufai to Remain in ICPC Custody as Kaduna Court Adjourns Bail Ruling Till June
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, will continue to be held in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following the adjournment of the ruling on his bail application by a Kaduna State High Court until the first week of June.
The trial judge, Darius Khobo, set the date on Tuesday, April 21, after hearing arguments in the case, which revolves around an amended nine-count charge alleging fraud, abuse of office, and corruption.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Application
The ICPC had previously amended the charge, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant in the matter. During the resumed hearing, proceedings focused on the former governor's application for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution on the grounds that he could interfere with ongoing investigations.
Ruling on the application was deferred, with the court ordering that the defendant be remanded in ICPC custody pending the decision. This move has sparked significant legal debate and criticism from the defence team.
Defence Team's Response and Allegations
Counsel to the defendant, Ukpong Akpan, faulted the court's position, describing it as unjustified and indicative of deeper concerns. He argued that the refusal to grant bail appeared to be based on the assumption that his client, as a former governor, could tamper with investigations.
"The court, in its wisdom, decided that because Nasir El-Rufai is a former governor, he is going to interfere with the investigation. Therefore, he is not entitled to bail in an allegation of financial impropriety. We respectfully disagree," Akpan stated.
Akpan added that the defence team would study the court's decision and pursue appropriate legal remedies to challenge it. "The next step is to take the legal steps required to challenge it. We will respond through the proper legal process. That is what the law requires," he emphasized.
Political Undertones and Call for Calm
The defence lawyer further maintained that the case bore political undertones, insisting that the legal team would, however, remain guided strictly by the rule of law. "From the beginning, everything about Nasir El-Rufai's travails has always been political. This is mainly the legal arm of it," he said.
He also appealed to supporters of the former governor to remain calm and law-abiding despite the development. "Don't allow fear to take over. Don't act as if something fatal has happened. Nobody has died. In a conflict, you have gains and setbacks. Sometimes things work against you, but you must not be frightened. Sit up. We are going to take this battle on and we are going to win," he urged.
Adjournment and Future Proceedings
The matter was subsequently adjourned to the first week of June for ruling on the bail application and continuation of proceedings. This delay means El-Rufai will spend additional time in custody as the legal battle unfolds, with both sides preparing for further arguments and potential appeals.
The case highlights ongoing issues in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts and the intersection of politics and judiciary, drawing national attention to the treatment of high-profile figures in legal disputes.
