By Chimezie Godfrey
The corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, took another dramatic turn on Tuesday as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) formally opposed a fresh application seeking his release on bail before the Kaduna State High Court.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Head, Media and Public Communications Unit of the ICPC, John Okor Odey, who stated that the Commission had already filed a counter-affidavit challenging the renewed bail request filed by the former governor.
Odey explained that during resumed proceedings before the court, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Ubong Akpang, informed the court that a fresh bail application had been filed on behalf of El-Rufai.
According to the ICPC spokesman, Akpang argued that the issue before the court directly concerns the constitutional liberty of the defendant and therefore deserved urgent consideration.
Odey further stated that the defence counsel informed the court that all necessary legal processes relating to the fresh application had been duly filed and served on the prosecution.
He added that the defence equally expressed readiness to proceed with the hearing of the application.
The ICPC spokesman, however, noted that counsel to the Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Mukhtar, objected to an immediate hearing, informing the court that the prosecution had only just been served with the defendant’s further affidavit in support of the application.
According to Odey, Mukhtar told the court that the prosecution needed sufficient time to carefully study the fresh processes and respond appropriately in line with legal procedure.
He stated that following submissions by both parties, the court adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the renewed bail application.
Odey recalled that the latest legal move by the defence came despite an earlier ruling by the same court rejecting El-Rufai’s initial application for bail.
He explained that Honourable Justice D.H. Khobo had earlier held that the defendant failed to file a further affidavit challenging critical allegations raised by the ICPC in its counter-affidavit.
According to him, the court ruled that the anti-graft agency introduced weighty and material facts which were not controverted by the defence, thereby leaving the allegations substantially unchallenged before the court.
Odey stated that among the grounds raised by the ICPC against the bail application were concerns that the former governor could constitute a flight risk because of his influence, status, and access to substantial resources.
He further disclosed that the Commission also alleged that El-Rufai obstructed lawful arrest efforts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and refused to surrender travel documents and electronic devices required for investigation.
The ICPC spokesman said the prosecution additionally argued that granting bail to the former governor could jeopardise ongoing investigations through possible interference with witnesses and evidence, particularly as some suspects connected to the case were reportedly still at large.
Odey noted that Justice Khobo, while refusing the earlier application, stressed that bail is discretionary and must ultimately serve the broader interests of justice.
He added that the judge observed that the defendant’s high-profile status and political influence could potentially compromise ongoing investigative processes.
According to the statement, the court also noted that the defence failed to challenge key allegations contained in the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, thereby deeming those allegations admitted in law.
Odey further stated that the court dismissed health-related arguments advanced by the defence, holding that no credible medical evidence had been presented to justify the claims.
He said the court consequently ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending the commencement of trial and directed accelerated hearing of the substantive matter.
Despite the ruling, Odey disclosed that the defence team proceeded to file a fresh bail application, setting the stage for another legal confrontation between both parties.
He reaffirmed that the Commission remains committed to diligent prosecution of corruption-related cases and the preservation of the rule of law.
“The Commission assures the public of its continued dedication to the diligent prosecution of corruption cases and the upholding of due process,” Odey stated.
ICPC Tightens Legal Battle Against El-Rufai, Opposes Fresh Bail Request
