April 21, (THEWILL) — Uncertainty continues to trail the legal battle of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, as the Kaduna State High Court, on Tuesday, again, postponed ruling on his bail application, pushing the decision to the first week of June 2026.
The latest adjournment by Justice Darius Khobo leaves the former governor in a precarious legal position, caught between ongoing prosecution and unresolved questions about his immediate liberty, despite having already secured bail in a separate case before a Federal High Court.
THEWILL reports that the former Kaduna governor is currently facing an amended nine-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office during his time in office.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, arguments on the bail application were revisited, with the defence urging the court to grant their client relief pending trial. However, rather than deliver a ruling, Justice Khobo opted for a further adjournment, a move that effectively prolongs the uncertainty surrounding the former governor’s status.
The delay is particularly significant in light of parallel proceedings. Last week, El-Rufai was granted bail in a separate corruption case instituted by the ICPC at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. In that instance, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa admitted him to bail in the sum of N200 million, with strict conditions, including restrictions on public commentary and mandatory attendance at all court sittings.
Despite that ruling, El-Rufai remains unable to fully benefit from the relief granted, as the pending decision in the Kaduna State High Court continues to cast a shadow over his legal standing.
Counsel to the former governor, Mr Ukpon Akpan, expressed his frustration over the repeated delays, describing the adjournments as troubling and raising concerns about possible external influences.
“Our client has demonstrated his willingness to face trial and comply with all legal requirements. Yet, a fundamental issue such as bail continues to be deferred. This raises serious questions that cannot be ignored”, Akpan said after the court session.
While the court has offered no explanation beyond procedural necessity, the ICPC (which is prosecuting both cases) has maintained that its actions are guided strictly by evidence and the rule of law, reiterating its mandate to hold public officials accountable for alleged misconduct.
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