Nasir El-Rufai to Remain in ICPC Custody Until June as Bail Hearing Faces Long Adjournment

Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai will stay in ICPC custody until June 2026 following a bail hearing adjournment in his fraud and abuse of office case.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 8:48 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Legit.ng

Court Adjourns Bail Proceedings for Former Governor

A Kaduna State High Court has ruled that the former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, will remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for at least another six weeks. On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Justice Darius Khobo adjourned the hearing for El-Rufai’s bail application until the first week of June 2026. The decision ensures that the former governor, who was once a prominent figure in the ruling APC before his shift to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), will remain detained throughout the next phase of the legal proceedings.

Allegations of Fraud and Abuse of Office

The detention follows El-Rufai’s arraignment last week on an amended nine-count charge. The ICPC’s case centers on allegations of fraud and abuse of office during his tenure as governor. While the specific details of the individual counts are being scrutinized in court, the anti-graft agency has maintained that the charges are the result of a rigorous investigation into the administrative and financial conduct of the former governor's cabinet. The adjournment of the bail hearing has sparked significant debate regarding the speed of the judicial process in high-profile corruption cases.

Legal Team Decries "Politically Motivated" Detention

El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Ukpon Akpan, expressed strong opposition to the lingering adjournment following the court session on Tuesday. Akpan argued that the continued detention of his client is "politically motivated," suggesting that the legal hurdles are being used to sideline a key figure of the opposition ADC. The defense team has consistently pushed for immediate bail, citing El-Rufai’s status and their belief that the charges lack the technical depth required for a conviction. Akpan noted that the extended stay in ICPC custody is an unusual measure for the charges presented.