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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Kaduna State High Court has postponed ruling on the bail application of former governor Nasir El-Rufai to April 21, 2026, following fresh developments in the case.
The adjournment came after earlier expectations that the court would deliver its decision on Tuesday.
There was a heavy security presence at the Federal High Court in Kaduna as El-Rufai arrived for the anticipated ruling. Armed operatives were stationed at strategic points around the premises, restricting movement and keeping journalists and members of the public at a distance.
The court, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, had initially scheduled the day for a ruling on the bail application tied to newly filed charges.
Earlier in the day, El-Rufai had appeared before the Kaduna State High Court at about 9:00 a.m., but proceedings took a different turn when the presiding judge, Darius Khobo, adjourned the matter without delivering a ruling.
The delay follows fresh legal action by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which submitted an amended nine-count charge against the former governor.
Counsel to El-Rufai, Ukpong Abang, told journalists that the revised charges were only served on the defence in court.
“The charges are entirely new to us. They were given to us this morning while we were already in court. That is why the matter could not proceed to hearing,” Abang said.
He added that the defence team would need time to study the amended charges before determining its next step.
“We will analyse the charges and make our position known. For now, there is nothing we can do until we have fully reviewed them,” he stated.
Although the matter was initially adjourned to April 14 for a ruling on the bail application, the court has now shifted the date further to April 21.