Court denies El-Rufai bail, orders continued ICPC detention

A Kaduna State High Court has refused the bail application filed by 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).

Justice Dirisu Khobo ruled on Monday that El-Rufai’s application “lacked merit”, saying the former governor failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the court’s discretion to grant him bail.

According to the judge, the application did not present “reliable evidence and convincing documents” capable of supporting the request for bail.

The court also held that the defence failed to establish any “exceptional circumstances” that would warrant his release while the trial is ongoing.

Despite denying bail, the court directed the ICPC to allow El-Rufai unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria for treatment while in custody.

The judge further ordered that the former governor remain in ICPC custody and adjourned the case until July 7 and 8 for the continuation of the hearing.

El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and related offences.

He was first arraigned on March 18, 2026, alongside the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, Amadu Sule.

The ICPC initially filed a 10-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of alleged abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

However, the commission later amended the charges after withdrawing Sule from the case, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant.