BREAKING: El-Rufai returns to ICPC detention after court adjourns bail ruling to Wednesday
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been returned to the detention facility of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) after a Federal High Court in Kaduna adjourned the hearing of his bail application till Wednesday.
El-Rufai was granted temporary release from custody on March 27, 2026, to enable him to bury his mother, who passed away on March 27 in Cairo, Egypt.
The court, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, adjourned proceedings on the bail application following arguments under tight security.
Counsel to the ex-governor, Ukpong Akpan, confirmed the development shortly after the session but declined to give further details.
“I’m sorry, I can’t talk now. We are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he said.
In a related development, the former governor was earlier on Tuesday arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo on separate charges.
At the State High Court, he was docked alongside one Amadu Sule on allegations ranging from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.
The charges, also filed by the anti-corruption commission, are separate from those before the Federal High Court.
After the proceedings at the State High Court, the commission moved El-Rufai to the Federal High Court within the same premises for continuation of proceedings.
With the adjournment, the hearing of the bail application is expected to resume on Wednesday.
