By Ayodele Oni
Legal Team defending former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has hinted of a possible appeal against the decision of the State High Court to deny the former Governor bail.
The State High Court ruled against the bail request by El-Rufai, on Tuesday, and shifted it to June 26, citing concerns that his status could enable him interfere with ongoing investigations.
Justice Darius Khobo ruled that the allegations of financial impropriety against him are weighty enough to justify continued detention.
The Court had, initially; reserved ruling for April 21, but shifted the date to allow for further consideration of filings and responses.
El-Rufai is facing multiple charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct, and irregular payments during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
The former governor has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The case is being heard alongside a parallel proceeding at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where El-Rufai was recently granted bail under stringent conditions, including financial guarantees and reporting requirements.
At Tuesday’s session, the prosecution urged the court to deny bail, citing the gravity of the allegations and potential risks, while defence counsel argued that the charges are bailable and that their client poses no flight risk.
Counsel to the former governor, Ubong Akpan, in a reaction stated that the defence disagrees with the ruling, but acknowledges the court’s reasoning.
He confirmed that the legal team will immediately challenge the decision by filing the necessary papers.
The defence also alleged that the case is politically motivated, describing the proceedings as an extension of that agenda.
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