The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has denied bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his ongoing trial over alleged money laundering.
El-Rufai, who appeared before the court on Tuesday, is being arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on multiple charges bordering on financial misconduct.
During the proceedings, counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, citing his client’s constitutional rights and the need for adequate time to prepare his defence. However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the gravity of the charges could interfere with ongoing investigations if bail is granted.
After hearing arguments from both parties, the court declined the bail request and adjourned the case to March 31, 2026, for further hearing.
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described El-Rufai’s continued detention as political persecution. Obi made the remarks during a meeting with stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress in Kaduna.
According to him, the rule of law guarantees that individuals should be treated with dignity until proven guilty. He emphasized the need for fairness and adherence to legal principles in the handling of such cases.
The trial is expected to continue at the end of March.
