Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, is set to remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) after a Kaduna State High Court adjourned ruling on his bail application to the first week of June. Justice Darius Khobo fixed the new date on Tuesday after hearing arguments in the case, which involves an amended nine-count charge alleging fraud, abuse of office, and corruption.
The ICPC had earlier amended the charges, making El-Rufai the sole defendant in the matter.During the hearing, arguments centred on the former governor’s bail request, which the prosecution opposed on the grounds that he might interfere with ongoing investigations.
The court deferred its ruling on the bail application and ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody until a decision is reached.Counsel to the defendant, Ukpong Akpan, criticised the court’s position, describing it as unfair and questionable. He argued that the refusal to grant bail seemed based on the assumption that his client could interfere with investigations simply because he is a former governor.
“The court, in its wisdom, decided that because Nasir El-Rufai is a former governor, he is going to interfere with the investigation. Therefore, he is not entitled to bail in an allegation of financial impropriety. We respectfully disagree,” Akpan said. He added that the defence team would review the ruling and take appropriate legal steps to challenge it. “The next step is to take the legal steps required to challenge it. We will respond through the proper legal process. That is what the law requires,” he said.
The lawyer also suggested that the case has political undertones, though he stressed that the defence would continue to rely strictly on legal processes. “From the beginning, everything about Nasir El-Rufai’s travails has always been political. This is mainly the legal arm of it,” he added.He further urged supporters of the former governor to remain calm despite the development.
“Don’t allow fear to take over. Don’t act as if something fatal has happened. Nobody has died,” he said. “In a conflict, you have gains and setbacks. Sometimes things work against you, but you must not be frightened. Sit up. We are going to take this battle on and we are going to win.” The case was adjourned to the first week of June for a ruling on the bail application and continuation of proceedings.
