El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Adjourns Bail Hearing to March 31

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has postponed the hearing of a bail application filed by Nasir El-Rufai, fixing March 31 for further proceedings.

El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, was arraigned on Tuesday over allegations bordering on the conversion of public property and money laundering. The charges were brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He arrived at the court premises around 9:00 am in a Hilux vehicle under heavy security and remained inside the vehicle for about 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom shortly after.

Security presence was heightened within and around the court premises ahead of the hearing.

During proceedings, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail to enable his client adequately prepare his defence. However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that granting bail could hinder ongoing investigations by the commission.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His detention has sparked calls from various quarters demanding either his release or formal arraignment.

While in custody, the former governor reportedly declined to answer questions from investigators, citing his constitutional right to remain silent.

Earlier, on March 5, a magistrate court extended his remand order by an additional 14 days.

El-Rufai has also approached the Federal High Court in Abuja with a fundamental rights enforcement suit, challenging the search conducted on his residence by the ICPC as well as the remand order issued on February 19.