A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has denied bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and adjourned his case to March 31, 2026.
El-Rufai, who appeared in court on Tuesday, is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged money laundering.
During the hearing, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, citing his constitutional rights and the need to adequately prepare his defence. However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the charges are serious and that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticised El-Rufai’s continued detention, describing it as political persecution. Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress in Kaduna, Obi stressed that the law requires individuals to be treated with dignity until proven guilty.
“It is political persecution. We have a law, and that law allows people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty. Let our law prevail,” he said.
The case is expected to continue when proceedings resume later this month.
