Court Says No Bail for El-Rufai

The Court of Appeal in Kaduna on Friday agreed with the state high court’s decision to deny former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai bail.

The Court of Appeal threw out an appeal from Mr El-Rufai. He was challenging the Kaduna State High Court’s decision to refuse him bail.

In its judgment for Appeal Number CA/K/254C/2026, the Appellate Court supported the lower court’s ruling. They stated that the trial judge made a fair decision, with no injustice.

In a unanimous move, the three-member panel said Mr El-Rufai did not show any new facts or special reasons that would make them change the lower court’s decision.

Channel Television reported that the lead judgment from Justice Onyekachi Aja-Otisi backed the lower court's ruling. The court had refused the former governor’s second bail application on 10 June.

The court also dismissed the reply brief Mr El-Rufai filed on 29 September, calling it incompetent. They resolved the main issue against him and in favor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The appellate court decided it would not change a trial court’s findings unless they were shown to be seriously wrong. They dismissed the appeal for lack of merit.

The main trial is set to start on 12 October, 2026.

This ruling comes just days after Justice Darious Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court turned down Mr El-Rufai’s bail and recusal requests.

Mr El-Rufai is facing prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This follows a 2024 report from the Kaduna State House of Assembly that accused his 2015-2023 government of mishandling public funds.

The ICPC has charged the former governor in federal and state courts. One serious charge claims he tapped the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Mr El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He insists that his prosecution is politically motivated.

He is still in ICPC custody under orders from the court while his legal team fights against his detention.

Mr El-Rufai has been in ICPC detention since 18 February.