The Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the bail hearing of former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June 2026, prolonging the ex-governor’s wait for a decision on his bid to regain freedom.
Justice Darius Khobo, presiding over the case, announced the adjournment on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, stating that the court needed more time to deliver a considered ruling on the issues raised by both the prosecution and defence. This marks the latest in a series of postponements, with the court previously unable to deliver its ruling as scheduled.
El-Rufai is facing multiple charges of alleged financial crimes and abuse of office filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). While a separate Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted him conditional bail in a different case, the State High Court’s decision remains pending.
Speaking after the session, defence counsel Ukpon Akpan kicked against the recurring delays, describing them as “politically motivated” and unfair to the defendant. Prosecutors, however, opposed bail, arguing that the gravity of the allegations and the need to ensure the defendant’s full participation in the trial warranted caution.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai, through his spokesperson Muyiwa Adekeye, has alleged a “coordinated and orchestrated attempt to smear his reputation and prolong his ordeal”. He claims there is a plot to link him to an alleged attack on a prosecution witness to jeopardise his bail application, a charge he vehemently denies.
The adjournment means El-Rufai will remain in ICPC custody, pending the State High Court’s decision in June.
—
©2026 CDA News Nigeria. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to protecting your privacy. We collect and use personal information solely for delivering news updates and improving your experience. Your data is never shared with third parties without explicit consent. For full details, visit our website.
Contact: For news tips, inquiries, or feedback, contact CDA News Nigeria at info@cdanews.ng or visit our headquarters 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
