The Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, has adjourned the bail hearing of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the first week of June 2026.
El-Rufai is facing multiple charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), bordering on alleged financial misconduct, abuse of office, fraud and intent to confer undue advantage.
According to filings earlier presented before the court, the charges include a separate case marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, involving El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule of LEDA, also before the Kaduna State High Court.
The ICPC said both cases were filed on 18 March 2026 and stem from alleged violations including abuse of office and fraudulent practices during his tenure as governor.
The adjournment follows heightened public attention around the case, with strong security presence observed at the court premises during proceedings.
El-Rufai arrived at the court in a convoy accompanied by ICPC officials and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Supporters of the former governor gathered outside the courtroom, while security agencies restricted movement within the court environment to maintain order.
Counsel to the former governor, Ukpon Akpan, criticised repeated adjournments of the bail hearing, describing the delays as politically motivated.
The defence maintains that El-Rufai poses no flight risk and has pledged full compliance with any bail conditions that may be imposed by the court.
The prosecution, however, urged the court to consider the seriousness of the allegations in determining whether bail should be granted.
El-Rufai, aged 66, has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following earlier involvement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was temporarily released on March 27 on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother.
The case continues to attract national attention as legal arguments over bail conditions and procedural delays persist ahead of the next hearing date.
