Tight Security as Nasir El-Rufai Arrives Court for Bail Ruling Amid Fresh Charges

There was heightened security at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared for a ruling on his bail application following new charges filed against him.

The proceedings, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, come amid escalating legal developments involving the former governor.

Earlier in the day, El-Rufai had appeared before the Kaduna State High Court, where expectations for progress were stalled after the presiding judge, Darius Khobo, adjourned the bail ruling to April 21.

The delay followed fresh legal action by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which filed an amended nine-count charge against the former governor.

Speaking to journalists, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ukpong Abang, revealed that the revised charges were only served on the defence team in court, leaving them little time to respond.

“The charges are entirely new to us. They were handed to us this morning while proceedings were ongoing, which made it impossible for the matter to proceed,” Abang said.

He noted that the defence would carefully review the amended charges before determining its next course of action.

“We need to study the charges thoroughly before taking any steps. Until then, we cannot make any definitive moves,” he added.

Originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, the bail ruling has now been postponed to April 21, further prolonging the legal battle.

ELIJAH ADEYEMI