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 on Tuesday over allegations of conversion of public property and money laundering, charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He was escorted to court around 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle and held inside for about 25 minutes before being led into the courtroom. Security was heavily deployed around the court ahead of the proceedings.
During the hearing, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail to enable his client to prepare his defence. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that granting bail could impede ongoing investigations.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His detention has prompted public debate, with calls for either his release or formal arraignment.
Sources said the former governor declined to answer questions during ICPC interrogation, citing his right to remain silent.
Earlier, on March 5, a magistrate court extended his initial remand order by 14 days.
El-Rufai has also filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the ICPC’s search of his residence and the legality of the February 19 remand order.
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