El-Rufai taken back to ICPC custody

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday returned former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to their custody after the resumed hearing of his bail application at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

The court adjourned hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor till today.

His counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), who declined detailed comments on the proceedings, confirmed the development shortly after yesterday’s court session.

“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,” Akpan said.

The former governor was subsequently taken away from the court premises ICPC operatives in a white Hilux vehicle.

He had returned to the Federal High Court amid tight security for the hearing of his bail application in an ongoing corruption trial.

The heavy security presence mirrored the situation during his arraignment last week, when he was first brought before the court.

El-Rufai had been arraigned before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

The court had fixed March 31, 2026, for the hearing of pending applications, including his bail request.

However, on March 27, 2026, the ICPC released him on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

El-Rufai was earlier arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo on separate charges.

At the State High Court, he was docked alongside one Amadu Sule on allegations ranging from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.