A Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai to April 14, 2026.
The presiding judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, fixed the date after listening to arguments from both the defence and prosecution on Wednesday.
The court ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending the hearing of his bail application on the fixed date.
The former governor arrived at the court premises around 9:00am in a black Hilux vehicle, accompanied by officials of the Department of State Services.
El-Rufai, dressed in a light brown traditional outfit (riga) and cap, appeared calm as he walked into the courtroom.
El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The African Democratic Congress chieftain has denied the allegations levelled against him, describing his trial as a witch hunt.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Ubong Akpan (SAN), one of the counsels to El-Rufai, confirmed the adjournment but said the lead team leader would address the journalists later.
Last week, the ICPC had arraigned El-Rufai before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on the 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property as well as money laundering.
The former governor was produced in court after more than a month in detention, having been arrested on February 18, 2026.
The court had subsequently fixed March 31, 2026, to hear pending applications, including a bail request.
But on March 31, the matter was adjourned to April 1, 2026, after the prosecution said it had just filed its counter affidavit.
On March 27, 2026, the commission released El-Rufai on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.
He received condolence messages from top dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, and more than 10 governors — including Senator Uba Sani, his estranged ally — all took part in the funeral activities.
Key ADC chieftains such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former ministers Abubakar Malami, Isa Pantami, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, among others, condoled him personally.
On Tuesday, El-Rufai was arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court alongside one Amadu Sule for alleged offences ranging from abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage, among others.
It was after the State High Court proceedings that he was taken to the Federal High Court, from where he returned to ICPC custody following the adjournment to April 1.
El-Rufai now faces a two-week wait in ICPC custody before his bail application can be heard on April 14.
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