El-Rufai Arrives Kaduna Court Under Tight Security For Bail Ruling

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has arrived at the Kaduna State High Court for the ruling on his bail application amidst tight security.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had brought El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court on allegations of fraud, abuse of office and corruption, which he has consistently denied.

Last week, the matter before the Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, was adjourned to April 21 today for ruling on the bail application and continuation of proceedings.

However, appearing at the State High Court, the former governor was brought into the court premises at about 9:14 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle, accompanied by security agencies amid tight security.

A heavy presence of security operatives was observed within and around the court complex, with access strictly controlled as proceedings were set to commence.

The bail application is before Justice Darius Khobo, who is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter.

As of the time of filing this report, counsel to both parties were already in court, while tension and anticipation heightened over the outcome of the ruling in Kaduna State.

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna had last Tuesday granted bail to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who is facing a 10-count amended charge bordering on alleged corruption and money laundering filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ruling was delivered by Justice Rilwanu Aikawa after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence in the high-profile trial.

The court had granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties, while imposing stringent conditions that must be met before the defendant’s release from custody.

Though, El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody despite the bail granted to him by the Federal High Court.