The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned the bail hearing of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, 2026, directing that he remain in custody pending a ruling on his application.
El-Rufai was arraigned on Tuesday on charges bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor arrived at the court premises at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle under heavy security and was subsequently escorted into the courtroom after a brief wait.
During proceedings, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that it would enable his client to adequately prepare his defence.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that releasing the defendant at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, 2026, following his earlier release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His continued detention has drawn reactions from various quarters, with calls for either his release or a speedy arraignment.
Sources familiar with the investigation said that while in custody, the former governor has declined to respond to questions from investigators, invoking his constitutional right to remain silent.