By Ayodele Oni
A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned hearing on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to Tuesday next week.
The adjournment followed proceedings on Tuesday where both the defence and prosecution presented arguments on whether the ex-governor should be granted bail.
Counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, SAN, urged the Court to release his client, citing his constitutional right to liberty and the need to adequately prepare for trial.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the weight of the charges against El-Rufai requires caution insisting that granting bail at this stage could affect ongoing investigations.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is prosecuting El-Rufai over alleged financial misconduct.
According to the commission, the former governor is facing charges bordering on conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. He is being tried alongside one Joel Adoga
In addition, the ICPC disclosed that a separate case has been filed at a Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and another defendant, Amadu Sule.
The stated charges include alleged abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The anti-graft agency said both cases were instituted on March 18, adding that the former governor had been duly served in line with legal procedures.
El-Rufai’s arraignment follows weeks of legal and public scrutiny after his arrest on arrival from foreign trip by the Directorate of Security Services, (DSS).
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