The Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday deferred proceedings on the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to Wednesday.
The decision came after a session held amid a heavy security presence, reflecting the intense public interest in the ongoing corruption trial.
Counsel to the ex-governor, Ukpong Akpan, confirmed the adjournment shortly after the proceedings but declined to elaborate.
“I’m sorry, I can’t speak right now. We are still working and I need to file some responses. The bail hearing has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he stated.
Following the court session, operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission escorted El-Rufai from the court premises in a white Hilux vehicle.
Earlier, the former governor had appeared in court under tight security for the continuation of hearing on his bail request, similar to the arrangements during his earlier arraignment.
El-Rufai is being tried before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and unlawful possession of public assets, as well as money laundering.
He was brought before the court after spending more than a month in detention, a development that has continued to attract nationwide attention.
The court had previously scheduled March 31, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications, including the bail plea.
However, on March 27, 2026, the anti-graft agency granted him temporary release on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the former governor was earlier on Tuesday arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court in Kawo over a separate set of charges.
At the State High Court, he was docked alongside Amadu Sule on allegations ranging from abuse of office and fraud to attempted fraud and granting undue advantage. These charges are distinct from those before the Federal High Court.
After the proceedings at the State High Court, he was subsequently transferred to the Federal High Court within the same premises for continuation of proceedings.
With the adjournment, hearing on the bail application is expected to resume on Wednesday.
