KADUNA — The Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the ruling on the bail application filed by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, to June 2026. The decision, delivered by Justice Darius Khobo on Tuesday, means the former governor will remain in custody for at least six more weeks.
The Adjournment
The court was originally expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application on April 21, 2026. However, during the sitting, Justice Khobo informed the legal teams that the ruling was not yet ready. Citing administrative reasons and time constraints, the judge apologised for the delay and rescheduled the pronouncement for the first week of June.
El-Rufai, who arrived at the court premises under heavy security provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), appeared composed as he was led back to a waiting vehicle following the announcement.
“Politically Motivated” — Legal Team Hits Back
The adjournment has drawn sharp criticism from El-Rufai’s legal counsel. Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, lead counsel Ukpong Akpan expressed deep dissatisfaction with the delay, suggesting that the judicial process is being manipulated by outside interests.
“We are disappointed that a ruling on a fundamental right to liberty is being pushed forward by nearly two months,” Akpan stated. “The repeated postponements and the length of this latest adjournment suggest that this case is being driven by political motivation rather than the merits of the law.”
The legal team argued that the former governor has cooperated with investigators and poses no flight risk, maintaining that his continued detention is an “unnecessary punitive measure.”
Ongoing Legal Battles
The former governor is currently facing a litany of charges brought by the ICPC, including allegations of financial misappropriation, abuse of office, and land-related infractions during his eight-year tenure.
While a Federal High Court in Kaduna recently granted him bail in a separate case involving a ₦200 million bond and stringent conditions, he cannot be released until the state-level charges are resolved.
Heavy Security Presence
The atmosphere at the court was tense on Tuesday morning, with hundreds of supporters gathered at the perimeter chanting solidarity songs. A combined team of police, DSS, and ICPC operatives cordoned off the roads leading to the court, restricting movement to prevent any breach of order.
As the former governor returns to custody, the focus now shifts to June, where the court’s decision will determine whether one of Nigeria’s most influential and controversial political figures will regain his freedom ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
