The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, to March 31. El-Rufa...
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, to March 31.
El-Rufai was arraigned before the court on Tuesday on charges bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor was brought to court by security operatives at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the vehicle for approximately 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom shortly after.
Security was heightened in and around the court premises ahead of the proceedings.
During the hearing, counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that it would enable his client to adequately prepare his defence.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, contending that granting bail at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His detention has sparked public reactions, with calls from various quarters demanding either his release or formal arraignment.
While in custody, the former governor reportedly declined to respond to questions from investigators, invoking his right to remain silent.
Earlier, on March 5, a magistrate court extended his initial remand order by an additional 14 days.
El-Rufai has also filed a fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging both the search of his residence by the ICPC and the remand order issued on February 19.
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