Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, will stay in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for now.
This is because a Kaduna State High Court has delayed its decision on his bail application until the first week of June.
The judge, Darius Khobo, made this decision on Tuesday after hearing arguments from both sides. The case involves nine charges, including alleged fraud, abuse of office, and corruption.
Earlier, the ICPC changed the charges, leaving El-Rufai as the only person standing trial.
During the hearing, the main issue was whether El-Rufai should be granted bail. The prosecution opposed bail, saying he might interfere with ongoing investigations.
The court did not give an immediate ruling on bail. Instead, it ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody until the decision is made.
His lawyer, Ukpong Akpan, disagreed with the court’s decision. He said it was unfair and suggested that the court assumed El-Rufai could interfere with investigations simply because he is a former governor.
Akpan said the legal team would review the decision and take the necessary legal steps to challenge it.
He also claimed that the case has political elements but said the defence would continue to follow the law.
The lawyer urged El-Rufai’s supporters to stay calm and obey the law, saying there is no need to panic.
The case has been postponed until the first week of June, when the court will rule on the bail application and continue with the trial.
