A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of Nasir El-Rufai to March 31, 2026, ordering that he remain in custody pending the hearing.
Gatekeepers News reports that the ruling followed his arraignment earlier on today by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations bordering on conversion of public property and money laundering.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail to enable his client prepare adequately for trial. However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that releasing him could interfere with ongoing investigations.
The court subsequently fixed March 31 to hear all pending applications, including the bail request.
Recall that El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19 after he was re-arrested shortly following his release by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Details of the charges indicate they include alleged unlawful receipt of large sums of money, including hundreds of millions of naira and foreign currency transfers, which prosecutors claim are proceeds of illegal activities.
Security was tightened around the court premises during the arraignment, with restricted access and heavy deployment of operatives, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case.
The case has now been adjourned, with attention on the March 31 hearing where the court is expected to decide on the bail application and possibly set the stage for the full trial.
