El-Rufai Returns to ICPC Custody After Court Proceedings

The former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been returned to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following fresh court proceedings.

El-Rufai, who had briefly left custody on March 27, 2026, due to the death of his mother, was re-arraigned on Tuesday.

Earlier, the court had adjourned the hearing of his bail application to March 31, 2026. However, on Tuesday, he first appeared before the Kaduna State High Court over a separate charge brought against him by the ICPC. The absence of a co-defendant stalled proceedings, forcing the court to adjourn the case until April 10, 2026.

He was later taken to the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where his bail application was scheduled for hearing on Wednesday. After the proceedings, the former governor was returned to ICPC custody pending the continuation of his trial.

Reports indicate that El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was brought to court under tight security less than 24 hours after receiving sympathisers over the passing of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai.

Confirming the adjournment, his counsel, Upong Akpan (SAN), said the bail hearing would determine his client’s temporary fate, expressing optimism that he would regain freedom in due course.

“I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he said.

El-Rufai is currently facing a 10-count charge before the Federal High Court bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

The allegations include the unlawful receipt of about N289.8 million as severance allowance beyond entitled benefits, as well as multiple dollar deposits amounting to $320,800, $155,800, and $305,300 from different individuals at various times.

He has denied all the charges.