A Kaduna State High Court has refused to grant bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and ordered that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as his trial continues.

Presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, adjourned the matter to the first week of June and directed that the case proceed on a day-to-day hearing basis at the next sitting.

El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct during his tenure as governor. The charges include allegations that he approved about ₦11 billion for a non-existent light rail project, received ₦289.8 million in excess severance allowances, mismanaged over $1.08 million in World Bank funds, and approved a ₦4.6 billion CCTV contract, among others.

He was arraigned by the ICPC and has denied all allegations, describing the case as politically motivated.

Defence counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), criticised the ruling, arguing that the court’s decision was based on assumptions that El-Rufai could interfere with investigations due to his former position.

In a related development, the former governor had earlier been granted bail in another ICPC case by a Federal High Court in Kaduna, though with conditions restricting public commentary and requiring his attendance at all court sessions.

The court proceedings were held without media access, while further hearing on the bail application has now been shifted as the trial continues.