By Bose
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A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has declined to grant immediate bail to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, adjourning further hearing on his application to March 31, 2026.
The decision followed a tense courtroom session on Tuesday, where legal fireworks from both sides underscored the high stakes, surrounding the former governor’s legal troubles.
El-Rufai’s counsel, Ukpon Akpan, pressed the court to uphold his client’s constitutional right to personal liberty. He argued that granting bail would enable the former governor to properly prepare his defence and participate fully in the legal process.
But the prosecution pushed back forcefully, insisting that the weight and sensitivity of the allegations demand caution. According to the government’s legal team, releasing El-Rufai at this stage could jeopardise ongoing investigations and potentially interfere with witnesses or evidence.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, has remained a controversial and influential political figure in Nigeria’s power landscape. Known for his reform-driven but often polarising leadership style, he has faced scrutiny over several decisions taken during his tenure.
His current legal battle is believed to be tied to corruption-related allegations, part of a broader trend of post-office accountability cases involving former public officials. The prosecution has maintained that the charges are serious and require thorough judicial consideration.
With the matter now adjourned, El-Rufai will remain in custody pending the continuation of the bail hearing on March 31. The court is expected to further examine arguments from both sides before deciding whether he will be released pending trial.
The outcome of the bail application could shape the trajectory of the case, and potentially signal how Nigeria’s justice system handles high-profile political prosecutions in the months ahead.
