Court remands El-Rufai, fixes April 14 for bail ruling

A Federal High Court in Kaduna has scheduled April 14, 2026, to deliver its ruling on the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, ordered that the former governor remain in custody following a session where both the defense and prosecution presented final arguments.

While El-Rufai's lead counsel, Mr. Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), argued that bail is a constitutional right, the prosecution opposed the request, citing concerns that the defendant might influence witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations.

El-Rufai was immediately re-arrested within the court premises by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Though he had been brought to the court in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), DSS personnel who had maintained a heavy presence throughout the proceedings took custody of the former governor as he exited the courtroom.

El-Rufai was initially arrested by the ICPC on February 18, 2026. While he was briefly released on compassionate grounds on March 27 to attend his mother’s funeral, he was returned to custody for the resumption of these trials.