The Federal High Court in Kaduna has postponed the corruption trial of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to allow for the hearing of his bail application.
El-Rufai is facing prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over a 10-count charge linked to alleged corruption. He had been in the agency’s custody since February 19 before being granted temporary release on March 28 following the death of his mother.
During a brief court session, the defence team initially filed a motion requesting the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, to step down from the case, citing concerns over alleged bias and a pending petition. However, the application was later withdrawn.
The court then scheduled Wednesday for the hearing of the bail application after the prosecution confirmed filing a counter affidavit.
Earlier proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court saw El-Rufai arraigned alongside businessman Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud, and attempted fraud. That case has been adjourned to April 10 for further hearing.
Legal counsel to El-Rufai declined to comment on the developments, noting that additional legal processes were still underway.
Meanwhile, tight security was observed around the court premises, with restricted access to journalists and heavy deployment of security personnel. The movement restrictions along parts of the Anguwan Sarki–Kawo Road caused significant traffic congestion, leaving many commuters stranded.
