A Kaduna State High Court has denied the bail application of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, citing the gravity of the allegations against him and concerns over possible interference with ongoing investigations.
Delivering the ruling on April 21, 2026, Justice D.H. Khobo held that the circumstances surrounding the case did not favour the grant of bail at this stage. The case was instituted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In his bail application, El-Rufai sought release either on self-recognisance or under liberal terms to be determined by the court. He argued that the charges were non-capital offences and therefore bailable, emphasizing his strong community ties, known addresses, and assets as assurances against any risk of flight.
The former governor also told the court that he voluntarily returned from Egypt in response to an invitation by authorities. He described the charges against him as “fundamentally defective” and “unintelligible,” while also citing health concerns that he said required specialist medical attention.
However, the ICPC opposed the application, describing the alleged offences as “economically sabotaging.” The commission argued that granting bail could enable the defendant to interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations involving other suspects still at large. It further alleged that El-Rufai obstructed law enforcement officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in February 2026.
The anti-graft agency also dismissed the health claims, stating that no medical evidence was presented to support the request for bail on medical grounds.
In his ruling, Justice Khobo emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the need to ensure the defendant’s availability for trial. He stated that, given the gravity of the nine-count charge, “the interest of justice is best served by ensuring the Applicant remains available for an accelerated trial.”
The judge also faulted the medical argument, noting that the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify bail on health grounds.
Consequently, the court refused the bail application and ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending trial. Justice Khobo further directed that proceedings be conducted on an accelerated basis, fixing June 1, 2, 3, and 4, 2026, for day-to-day hearings.
The former governor will remain in custody as the court prepares to commence substantive hearing of the case.
