Appeal Court Dismisses El-Rufai Bail Appeal, Affirms Detention in ICPC Corruption Case
Kaduna, Nigeria—October 9, 2026—The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna on Thursday dismissed an appeal by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai challenging the refusal of his bail application by the state High Court, effectively keeping him in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a unanimous judgment in Appeal Number CA/K/254C/2026, the three-member panel led by Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi affirmed the lower court’s June 10, 2026, ruling that denied El-Rufai’s second bail request.
The appellate court held that the trial judge had exercised his discretion “judicially and judiciously” and that there was no miscarriage of justice.
“There is no merit in this Appeal. It fails and is hereby dismissed. The ruling of the lower Court delivered on 10/6/2026 is hereby affirmed,” Justice Otisi declared in the lead judgment.
Background to the Bail Battle
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna between 2015 and 2023, is facing a nine-count charge brought by the ICPC bordering on alleged abuse of office and financial irregularities linked to his administration.
The charges include claims that he induced the release of about ₦11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed, approved an excessive severance allowance of roughly ₦289.8 million (far above the legally entitled amount), and mismanaged part of a World Bank loan.
He has pleaded not guilty and has remained in ICPC custody since mid-February 2026. The former governor has filed multiple bail applications before the Kaduna State High Court, all of which were refused.
The Court of Appeal specifically considered his challenge to the second refusal and found that he failed to present fresh facts or special circumstances capable of justifying interference with the trial court’s decision.
The appellate court also took note of the prosecution’s concerns that certain public remarks by El-Rufai, including comments made during a televised interview, raised the possibility of interference with the administration of justice.
Next Steps in the Trial
The Court of Appeal further upheld the order for an accelerated hearing of the substantive criminal case.
Proceedings are expected to continue on a day-to-day basis as far as practicable while El-Rufai remains in custody. The trial is scheduled to commence on October 12, 2026.
Legal observers note that the ruling closes one avenue of challenge for the former governor while the main trial proceeds.
El-Rufai’s legal team has consistently argued that the offences are bailable and that prolonged detention hampers his ability to prepare an adequate defence.
The ICPC has maintained that the seriousness of the allegations and the need to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations justify continued detention.
The decision marks another significant development in a high-profile case that has drawn sustained public and political attention.
As the substantive trial begins next week, all eyes will be on how the Kaduna State High Court handles the proceedings under the accelerated hearing order.
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