Court remands El-Rufai in ICPC custody, fixes March 31 for bail hearing

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has ordered the remand of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending the hearing of his bail application.

The presiding judge, Rilwanu Aikawa, gave the order on Tuesday after listening to arguments from both the defence and prosecution, and subsequently adjourned the matter to March 31 for ruling on the bail request.

El-Rufai was arraigned by the ICPC on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public funds and money laundering. He, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

According to the anti-graft agency, the former governor allegedly received about N289.8 million as severance allowance, said to be above his legitimate entitlement.

He was also accused of taking control of $320,800 deposited in tranches into his domiciliary account, alongside other dollar payments allegedly linked to unlawful activities.

The prosecution counsel opposed the bail application, arguing that granting it could interfere with ongoing investigations, while defence counsel urged the court to grant bail to enable the former governor adequately prepare for trial.

Justice Aikawa subsequently ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending determination of the application.

The arraignment was conducted amid tight security, with operatives of the ICPC, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies deployed across key areas in Kaduna.

Movement around major routes leading to the court premises was restricted, causing traffic disruptions.

Supporters of the former governor gathered near the court, chanting solidarity messages and displaying placards calling for his release.

There was also mild drama at the court entrance as some of El-Rufai’s family members, including his wives, were initially denied access through the main gate by security operatives before being redirected.

Journalists were similarly barred from entering the courtroom, a move that drew protests from members of the media.

The case was adjourned to March 31 for the hearing of the bail application.