WorldStage– Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court has denied bail to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Ruling on his bail case on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Justice Khobo argued that El-Rufai’s status and influence could enable him to interfere with ongoing investigations
The judge ruled that the allegations of financial impropriety against him are sufficiently “weighty” to justify his continued detention.
The prosecution previously raised concerns about potential interference with witnesses, citing a recent incident where the home of a principal witness, Mohammed Umar Karage, was allegedly invaded by gunmen
While a Federal High Court in Kaduna had previously granted El-Rufai bail in a separate case by
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, he must remain in the custody of the ICPC because bail was denied in the state-level proceeding.
Following the ruling, the case has been adjourned to the first week of June 2026
El-Rufai’s legal team has expressed disagreement with the decision, describing it as politically motivated, and has indicated they will immediately challenge the ruling in a higher court.
