Tight security was deployed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as former governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared for the anticipated ruling on his bail application.
The court premises saw restricted access, with armed operatives positioned at key نقاط to control movement and maintain order.
Journalists and members of the public were kept at a distance as the former governor arrived under heavy security presence.
The matter, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, had been scheduled for a decision on El-Rufai’s bail request following fresh charges filed against him.
Earlier in the day, El-Rufai had first appeared before the Kaduna State High Court at about 9:00 a.m.
However, proceedings there were stalled after the presiding judge, Darius Khobo, postponed the bail ruling until April 21.
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The delay comes in the wake of new legal steps taken by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which submitted an amended nine-count charge against the former governor.
Speaking after Monday’s court session, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ukpong Abang, said the prosecution introduced revised charges, removing one of the earlier defendants and naming El-Rufai as the only accused.
“The charges are entirely new to us. They were given to us this morning while we were already in court. That is why the matter could not proceed to hearing,” Abang said.
He noted that the defence would need time to examine the updated charges before determining its next move.
“We will analyse the charges and make our position known. For now, there is nothing we can do until we have fully reviewed them,” he stated.
Following the development, the case was initially fixed for Tuesday, April 14, for a ruling on the bail application, but it was later adjourned to April 21.