Court Postpones El-Rufai's Bail Hearing to Wednesday in High-Profile Corruption Case
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application hearing for former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, to Wednesday, March 31, 2026. This decision came during a session marked by heightened security and limited media access, as El-Rufai faces dual corruption trials in both federal and state courts.
Dual Arraignments and Security Measures
On Tuesday, El-Rufai was arraigned before the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo and the Federal High Court in Kaduna on separate sets of corruption allegations. The charges, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), include accusations of abuse of office, fraud, money laundering, and possession of public property. Journalists were denied entry to cover the proceedings, continuing a pattern of restricted access observed since the case began.
Security was exceptionally tight at the court premises, with a heavy presence of law enforcement officers mirroring the conditions during El-Rufai's initial arraignment last week. This underscores the high-profile nature of the case, which has attracted significant public and media attention since his detention over a month ago.
Legal Proceedings and Adjournment
El-Rufai's counsel, Ukpong Akpan (SAN), confirmed the adjournment after the Federal High Court sitting but declined to provide detailed comments, citing ongoing legal work. "I'm sorry, I can't talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow," Akpan stated briefly.
Following the court session, El-Rufai was transported from the premises by ICPC operatives in a white Hilux vehicle. This move came after he was produced in court, having been released on compassionate grounds by the ICPC on March 27, 2026, due to the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.
Background of the Case
El-Rufai was initially arraigned before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa at the Federal High Court on a 10-count charge related to alleged conversion and possession of public property, along with money laundering. The court had scheduled March 31, 2026, for hearing pending applications, including his bail request.
In a parallel development, at the Kaduna State High Court, El-Rufai was docked alongside Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud. These state-level charges are distinct from the federal case but are also prosecuted by the ICPC. After the state court proceedings, El-Rufai was moved to the Federal High Court within the same premises for the bail hearing.
With the adjournment, all eyes are now on Wednesday's proceedings, where the bail application is expected to be heard, potentially shaping the next phase of this closely watched legal battle.
