By A1NEWS
KADUNA, Nigeria — October 6, 2026 — The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna has reserved judgement in an appeal filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, challenging a Kaduna State High Court decision that refused his application for bail.
The appellate court, presided over by Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi, heard submissions from both the lead counsel to the prosecution, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the defence team led by Paul Erokoro, SAN.
Appeal Over Bail Refusal After Hearing by High Court
A1NEWS International reports that the appeal concerns the refusal of el-Rufai’s bail request by the Kaduna State High Court.
After arguments from both sides, the presiding judge reserved judgement, a step that indicates the court will decide later whether to overturn the lower court’s ruling.
ICPC Argues Bail Was Properly Denied
ICPC lead counsel Ayodeji Adedipe urged the Court of Appeal to dismiss el-Rufai’s appeal, insisting that the High Court was correct in refusing bail.
Adedipe told the court that the former governor had previously filed three separate bail applications before the trial court, all of which were rejected.
He explained that:
- The first bail application was dismissed.
- The second was refused after el-Rufai allegedly failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances required to re-open bail consideration.
- The third bail application was also dismissed.
According to ICPC counsel, el-Rufai then appealed only against the ruling relating to the second bail application, while not disclosing to the appellate court that the third application had also been refused.
Adedipe described the appeal as unmeritorious, maintaining that the procedural and substantive grounds for bail had not been established.
Defence Cites Constitutional Right and Non-Capital Nature of Charges
Reacting, el-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the lower court’s decision and grant bail pending the determination of the substantive charges.
Erokoro argued that the offences for which el-Rufai is being prosecuted are bailable and not capital offences, contending that bail should ordinarily be available as a constitutional right, except where the law allows otherwise.
He further argued that keeping el-Rufai in ICPC custody was making it difficult for him to prepare an adequate defence.
Alleged Hardship: Lawyer Access, Witness Contact, and Confidential Communications
The defence maintained that continued detention affects the practical ability to consult with legal representatives and key witnesses.
Erokoro stated that:
- Access to lawyers and witnesses has been difficult.
- Confidential communication between the defendant and his legal team could be compromised.
- Defence preparations are therefore hindered while the case remains pending.
Political Context Allegation: Charges Filed Close to Elections
Erokoro also described el-Rufai as a prominent figure within Nigeria’s opposition political landscape.
He argued it would not be surprising that criminal charges were initiated close to an election period—an assertion the defence used to strengthen the narrative of the circumstances surrounding the prosecution.
Judgement Reserved; No Delivery Date Announced
After hearing both sides, the presiding judge reserved judgement but did not immediately announce a date for the ruling.
The Court of Appeal in Kaduna has reserved judgement in the bail appeal filed by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai, following opposing submissions from the ICPC and the former governor’s defence team.
While the prosecution urged dismissal—citing prior failed bail applications and alleged procedural omissions—the defence asked the appellate court to grant bail, emphasizing constitutional protections and hardship caused by continued custody.
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