The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, following arguments from both defence and prosecution.
El-Rufai was arraigned on Tuesday over allegations of conversion of public property and money laundering, charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor arrived at the court premises around 9:00 am under heavy security, transported in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the vehicle for about 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom.
Security presence was heightened in and around the court ahead of the proceedings.
During the hearing, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that it would allow El-Rufai to adequately prepare his defence. However, the prosecution opposed the request, warning that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His continued detention has sparked public debate, with calls for either his release or formal arraignment intensifying in recent weeks.
While in custody, the former governor reportedly declined to answer questions from investigators, invoking his right to remain silent.
Earlier, on March 5, a magistrate court extended his remand order by an additional 14 days.
Separately, El-Rufai has filed a fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging both the search of his residence by the ICPC and the legality of his remand order issued in February.
