A Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of Nasir el-Rufai to March 31.
El-Rufai was arraigned on Tuesday over allegations of conversion of public property and money laundering, with the charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor was brought to court by security operatives at about 9:00am in a Hilux vehicle and remained inside for roughly 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom. Heavy security presence was observed around the court premises ahead of the proceedings.
During the hearing, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail to enable his client prepare his defence. However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Since his arrest, there have been growing calls for either his release or formal arraignment. While in custody, the former governor reportedly declined to respond to investigators’ questions, citing his right to remain silent.
Earlier in March, a magistrate court extended his remand order by an additional 14 days.
El-Rufai has also filed a fundamental rights suit at a Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of the search conducted on his residence and the remand order issued on February 19.
