El-Rufai to remain in ICPC custody till June — Court

A Kaduna State High Court has deferred ruling on the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ordering that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, pending determination.

Justice Darius Khobo adjourned the ruling on the bail application to June after hearing arguments from counsel.

Mr El-Rufai was arraigned last week on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office filed by the ICPC.

The former governor had appeared before the court on Tuesday for the hearing of his bail application, but the judge declined to deliver an immediate ruling.

In a related development, El-Rufai had earlier been granted bail in a separate corruption case before a Federal High Court in Kaduna.

Justice Rilwanu Aikawa admitted him to bail in the sum of N200 million, with conditions including that he remain in ICPC custody until the bail terms are fulfilled, refrain from making public comments on the case, and attend all court proceedings.

Speaking to journalists after the court session, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, criticised the delay in ruling on the bail application, alleging that it was politically motivated.

The case has been adjourned for further proceedings.