Court Reserves Judgment on El-Rufai’s Bail Appeal
The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna has reserved judgment in the bail appeal filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, challenging the decision of the Kaduna State High Court to deny him bail.
The appellate court reserved judgment on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, after hearing arguments from lawyers representing El-Rufai and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). However, the court did not announce a date for the delivery of its judgment.
El-Rufai’s Bail Appeal
El-Rufai approached the Court of Appeal after the Kaduna State High Court rejected his bail application in connection with the financial-related charges brought against him by the ICPC.
During the proceedings, counsel to the ICPC, Ayodeji Adedipe, urged the appellate court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the decision of the lower court.
According to the prosecution, El-Rufai had filed three separate bail applications before the trial court, and all three were rejected.
The ICPC argued that while the current appeal challenges the ruling on the second bail application, a third application had subsequently been filed and also dismissed. The prosecution maintained that this development was not properly disclosed to the Court of Appeal.
The ICPC therefore described the appeal as lacking merit and asked the court to dismiss it.
El-Rufai’s Lawyers Ask for Bail
However, counsel to Nasir El-Rufai, Paul Erokoro, SAN, urged the Court of Appeal to overturn the decision of the Kaduna State High Court and grant the former governor bail pending the determination of the criminal charges against him.
Erokoro argued that the offences for which his client is being prosecuted are bailable and do not constitute capital offences.
The senior lawyer also raised concerns about El-Rufai’s continued detention, arguing that it could make it difficult for him to adequately prepare his defence.
According to the defence, access to lawyers and witnesses is important to ensure that El-Rufai can effectively defend himself during the trial.
Political Dimension Raised by Defence
El-Rufai’s legal team also referred to the political circumstances surrounding the case.
His counsel described the former governor as a prominent opposition figure and argued that the timing of the criminal proceedings, with the 2027 general elections approaching, should be considered by the court.
The prosecution, however, has maintained its position that the legal proceedings should be determined according to the law.
No Date Fixed for Judgment
After listening to submissions from both sides, the three-member panel led by Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi reserved judgment.
The Court of Appeal did not fix a date for when the judgment will be delivered.
The decision will determine whether El-Rufai will be granted bail pending the continuation of his trial or remain in custody while the legal proceedings continue.
Background to the Case
Nasir El-Rufai served as Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. He is currently facing prosecution by the ICPC over alleged financial offences connected to his administration.
El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing and has continued to challenge aspects of the proceedings and his detention.
The bail dispute has become one of the major legal issues surrounding the case, with the prosecution opposing his release and the defence insisting that he should be allowed to prepare his case outside custody.
For now, the former governor will have to await the decision of the Court of Appeal.
Conclusion
The Court of Appeal’s decision on El-Rufai’s bail appeal is expected to be closely watched as his legal battle continues.
While the ICPC wants the lower court’s decision to remain in place, El-Rufai’s legal team is asking the appellate court to grant him bail.
With no judgment date announced, attention will now turn to the eventual ruling of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna.
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