Court Fixes April 14 for El-Rufai Bail
The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has fixed April 14, 2026, to deliver its ruling on the bail application filed by former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, who is presiding over the case, adjourned the matter after both defence and prosecution presented their final arguments on Wednesday.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Mr. Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed the development. “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. He added, “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”.
In a dramatic turn, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) took the former governor into custody moments after the court session, bundling him into a waiting vehicle and driving him away, reportedly heading to Abuja. A heavy DSS presence had surrounded the court premises prior to the hearing. El-Rufai had arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van.
The legal troubles extend beyond the federal case. At a separate Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo, El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule were arraigned on allegations including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The charges, instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), are distinct from the matters before the Federal High Court. Following the state court proceedings, El-Rufai was moved to the Federal High Court located on the same premises.
The Federal High Court had previously adjourned the hearing of the bail application to Wednesday. El-Rufai was earlier removed from the court premises by ICPC operatives in a white Hilux vehicle.
Meanwhile, Iyamu confirmed that the legal team is fully prepared for a separate matter scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. “That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.