A Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the bail hearing of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June 2026.
The presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, fixed the new date following proceedings in the high-profile case, which has attracted widespread public attention.
El-Rufai is currently facing multiple charges bordering on alleged financial crimes and abuse of office, brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Speaking after the court session, defence counsel Ukpon Akpan criticised the repeated adjournments, describing them as politically motivated.
“We are concerned about the lingering adjournment of the bail hearing by the presiding judge. It raises questions about fairness and appears politically driven,” Akpan said.
The court premises witnessed heightened security, with operatives of the Department of State Services and other agencies maintaining a strong presence. The former governor arrived in a convoy accompanied by ICPC officials and security personnel.
Supporters of El-Rufai gathered outside the courtroom during the proceedings, while security operatives enforced order and restricted movement within the vicinity.
Journalists were barred from entering the courtroom, as the hearing focused on arguments from both the defence and prosecution over the bail application.
At the previous sitting, the defence argued that the former governor poses no flight risk and is prepared to comply with any conditions set by the court.
However, the prosecution urged the court to exercise caution, citing the seriousness of the charges against the defendant.
