Court denies El-Rufai bail, orders continued ICPC detention
A Kaduna State High Court has denied a bail application submitted by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, sustaining his detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Justice Dirisu Khobo ruled on Monday that El-Rufai’s application “lacked merit,” citing a failure to provide adequate evidence to justify bail. The judge noted that the request did not include “reliable evidence and convincing documents” necessary for the court to consider granting bail.
Additionally, the court found that the defense did not demonstrate any “exceptional circumstances” that would justify El-Rufai’s release while the trial is in progress.
Despite the bail denial, the court mandated that the ICPC grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility in Nigeria for treatment during his time in custody.
The case has been adjourned until July 7 and 8 for further hearings. El-Rufai faces a nine-count charge related to alleged abuse of office and other offenses.
He was first arraigned on March 18, 2026, alongside Amadu Sule, Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited. The ICPC initially filed a 10-count charge against both, accusing them of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. However, after withdrawing Sule from the case, the commission amended the charges, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant.