El-Rufai's Bail Ruling Adjourned Amid Tight Security

On Tuesday, April 14, 2023, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna for a ruling on his bail application, which is connected to new charges against him. The court, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, had a heavy security presence, restricting movement around the premises to maintain order.

Journalists and members of the public were kept at a distance. Earlier that day, El-Rufai had appeared at the Kaduna State High Court, but proceedings did not progress as expected, leading to an adjournment by Justice Dariu Khobo until April 21.

The legal developments follow an amendment to nine counts of charges filed against El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. His counsel, Ukpong Abang, indicated that the prosecution had dropped earlier charges, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant.

The defense team is currently reviewing the amended charges to determine their next steps.