By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Forner Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai is set to spend the Ramadan and Easter seasons in detention following the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja to adjourn the hearing of his bail application until April 23, 2026. In her ruling on Thursday, Hon. Justice Joyce O. Abdulmalik fixed the new date for consideration of the application, effectively postponing any decision on his release pending further proceedings.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to April 23, 2026.
Delivering her ruling, Hon. Justice Joyce O. Abdulmalik said the court would take arguments on the bail request on the adjourned date, effectively postponing a decision on whether the former governor would regain his freedom pending the determination of the case before the court.
El-Rufai is currently facing investigation and legal proceedings initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor’s legal troubles followed a political controversy sparked by his public accusations against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai had alleged that Ribadu was behind efforts to undermine certain opposition figures, claims that generated heated exchanges within political circles.
Shortly after the accusations, El-Rufai was invited for questioning and subsequently arrested by the ICPC over allegations bordering on abuse of office and financial misconduct. He was later granted bail by a High Court in Abuja under stringent conditions, including the provision of sureties.
However, in a dramatic twist, the anti-graft agency rearrested him, citing fresh evidence and additional counts said to have emerged in the course of its investigation. The re -rrest intensified political debate, with supporters describing the action as politically motivated, while the ICPC maintained it was acting strictly within the confines of the law.
At Thursday’s proceedings, defence counsel urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, arguing that El-Rufai had consistently made himself available to investigators and posed no flight risk. Prosecution counsel, however, asked the court to allow time to respond fully to the application.
With the matter now adjourned to April 23, legal observers say the outcome of the bail hearing could shape the direction of what is fast becoming one of the most closely watched political cases of the year.