Federal High Court Adjourns Bail Hearing for former Governor El-Rufai
The Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to Wednesday.
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The session, conducted under tight security, reflected the high-profile nature of the ongoing corruption trial. Ukpong Akpan, counsel for El-Rufai, confirmed the adjournment shortly after court proceedings but declined to provide further details.
“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 said.
After the court session, El-Rufai was escorted out of the premises by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) operatives in a white Hilux vehicle. The former governor had returned to court earlier amid heavy security arrangements similar to those during his arraignment last week.
El-Rufai is facing trial before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge, which includes allegations of conversion and possession of public property and money laundering. The case has drawn nationwide attention, especially as El-Rufai had spent over a month in detention before being released by ICPC on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.
Earlier on Tuesday, El-Rufai was also arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court in Kawo on separate charges alongside Amadu Sule, facing accusations ranging from abuse of office and fraud to conferring undue advantage. These charges, filed by ICPC, are distinct from those at the Federal High Court.
Following proceedings at the State High Court, El-Rufai was moved back to the Federal High Court for the continuation of his bail hearing. The case is set to resume on Wednesday.
Federal High Court Adjourns Bail Hearing for former Governor El-Rufai