Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been returned to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as a Federal High Court in Kaduna fixed April 14 for ruling on his bail application.

The development followed court proceedings where the legal team representing the former governor argued for his release on bail while the prosecution responded, leading the court to reserve its ruling for a later date.

Speaking after the court session, El-Rufai's lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, said the defence team remains hopeful that the court will grant bail when it delivers its ruling.

According to him, the defence had presented its arguments before the court and is confident in the judicial process, adding that the legal team would wait for the court's decision on April 14.

He also disclosed that the defence team is preparing for another legal matter involving El-Rufai scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, indicating that the former governor is currently facing multiple legal battles in different courts.

Earlier, El-Rufai was reportedly taken away from the court premises by operatives of the ICPC in a white Hilux vehicle after the court adjourned the bail hearing.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, El-Rufai was also arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo alongside one Amadu Sule on allegations bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

The charges were filed by the ICPC and are separate from the case currently before the Federal High Court, indicating that the former governor may face multiple trials over different allegations.

Following the State High Court proceedings, El-Rufai was later moved to the Federal High Court located within the same premises, where the bail proceedings took place.

The case has continued to attract attention across the country due to El-Rufai's political influence and role in national politics, with many observers closely watching the court's decision on his bail application scheduled for April 14.