…in a related development, El-Rufai has also been arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court on separate charges.
KADUNA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna is expected to deliver its ruling today on the bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai, who is currently facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering, was brought before the court under tight security for the hearing. His counsel, Mr. Ukpong Abang (SAN), confirmed that the court would issue its decision on the bail request.
The former governor, who has spent over a month in detention, was returned to custody after the proceedings by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He had earlier been granted a temporary release on compassionate grounds to attend the funeral of his late mother in Cairo, Egypt.
In a related development, El-Rufai has also been arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court alongside Amadu Sule on separate charges, including alleged abuse of office and fraud. These charges are distinct from those currently before the Federal High Court.
Meanwhile, a separate Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 17 to hear a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by El-Rufai against the ICPC and other parties. In the suit, he is contesting the legality of a search conducted at his Abuja residence, arguing that the warrant used was invalid and infringed on his constitutional rights, including privacy, dignity, personal liberty, and fair hearing.
He is seeking several reliefs, including a declaration that the search was unlawful, the return of items seized during the operation, and an order restraining authorities from using any evidence obtained from the search in any legal proceedings against him.
At the last hearing, the court struck out the name of a magistrate initially listed as a defendant following an application by El-Rufai’s counsel. It also dismissed an objection raised by the ICPC, allowing the case to proceed and directing the anti-graft agency to file its response.
