The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has scheduled April 14 for ruling on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking after the court proceedings, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, expressed cautious optimism about the outcome. He confirmed that arguments on the bail application had been presented and responded to, with the court now set to deliver its decision on the adjourned date.
“My name is Oluwole Iyamu; I am a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I lead the defence team for Malam Nasir El-Rufai. The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14,” Iyamu said.
“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice. We await the decision of the court,” he added.
Iyamu also disclosed that the legal team is fully prepared for another matter involving the former governor, which is scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court.
Earlier, the court had adjourned the bail hearing from Tuesday to Wednesday. During proceedings, El-Rufai was taken from the court premises by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in a white Hilux vehicle.
In a separate development, a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo on Tuesday arraigned El-Rufai alongside one Amadu Sule on multiple allegations, including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The charges were filed by the ICPC and are distinct from the case currently before the Federal High Court. Following the proceedings at the State High Court, El-Rufai was subsequently transferred to the Federal High Court located within the same premises.
What you should know
Nasir El-Rufai is facing multiple legal challenges across different courts, including federal and state jurisdictions.
While the Federal High Court is considering his bail application, separate charges at the Kaduna State High Court relate to alleged abuse of office and fraud. The ICPC is prosecuting the cases, signaling a serious anti-corruption push.
The outcome of the bail ruling on April 14 could influence the pace and direction of the ongoing trials and determine whether El-Rufai regains temporary freedom pending further hearings.
