The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, declined to hear a bail request from former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing the application as premature.
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings to April 23, 2026, when the matter is expected to proceed toward arraignment.
Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik ruled that the bail motion could not be entertained at this stage, effectively leaving El-Rufai in custody pending formal charges.
Legal sources confirmed that the court refused to allow the defense to move the application during Wednesday’s sitting.
El-Rufai was not present in court as he remains in the detention of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, the agency investigating allegations against him. The adjournment means he will stay in custody until the next hearing.
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Members of the African Democratic Congress, including former minister Bolaji Abdullahi, attended the session as observers.
The legal developments follow El-Rufai’s separate fundamental rights enforcement suit seeking ₦1 billion in damages over alleged unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence and defects in the search warrant used by operatives. His legal team argues that the warrant was flawed and lacked sufficient specificity.
They have also raised concerns about his treatment in custody, alleging he suffered a nosebleed and was denied direct access to meals delivered by family members. The ICPC has not responded publicly to those claims.
With the court’s latest ruling, formal arraignment proceedings are expected to commence when the case resumes on April 23.
The matter represents a significant chapter in ongoing legal actions involving the former governor and federal authorities.