Court Of Appeal Delivers Ruling On El-Rufai Bail Application

The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna has upheld the lower court’s decision refusing bail to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, dismissing his challenge in a unanimous decision.

Delivering judgment in Appeal Number CA/K/254C/2026, a three-member appellate panel ruled that the trial judge exercised discretion judicially and judiciously without any miscarriage of justice, noting that the appellant failed to establish fresh facts or special circumstances to warrant overturning the denial.

According to Channel Television, the lead judgement delivered by Justice Onyekachi Aja-Otisi affirmed the ruling of the lower court, which refused the former governor’s second bail application on 10 June.

Furthermore, the appellate court struck out an appellant reply brief filed on 29 September for being incompetent, ultimately resolving the sole issue for determination against Mr El-Rufai and in favor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The substantive trial is scheduled to commence on 12 October, 2026, following prior rejections of bail and recusal applications by Justice Darious Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court.

The ongoing prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission stems from a 2024 Kaduna State House of Assembly probe report accusing the 2015-2023 administration of mismanaging public funds, alongside other charges including phone tapping allegations.

Mr El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that his prosecution is politically motivated, while remaining in ICPC custody under court-authorised remand orders since his detention began on 18 February.