Kaduna High Court denies El-Rufai bail citing weighty allegations and influence concerns over ongoing investigations Justice Darius Khobo
- +Kaduna High Court Denies El-Rufai Bail Over ‘Weighty Allegations’
A Kaduna State High Court has refused bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, citing what it described as “weighty allegations” and concerns that his influence could interfere with ongoing investigations.
A Kaduna State High Court has refused bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, citing what it described as “weighty allegations” and concerns that his influence could interfere with ongoing investigations.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Darius Khobo held that the charges against the former governor were sufficiently serious to justify his continued detention. The court noted that the allegations of financial impropriety required careful judicial consideration, stating that the circumstances of the case warranted denying bail at this stage.
According to the court, the decision was influenced by concerns that El-Rufai’s position and influence could potentially obstruct ongoing investigative processes.
El-Rufai’s legal team, led by Ubong Akpan, SAN, expressed disagreement with the ruling but said they would respect the court’s authority. The defence confirmed plans to challenge the decision on appeal.
“The defence disagrees with the decision but respects the court’s position. He confirms that the legal team will promptly challenge the ruling by filing the necessary appeal,” Akpan said.
The defence further argued that the prosecution was politically driven, describing the case as part of a wider political agenda targeting the former governor.
“The defence also maintains that the case is politically motivated, describing the trial as part of a broader agenda,” the legal team added.
The ruling comes despite an earlier decision by the Federal High Court in Kaduna, which had granted El-Rufai bail under strict conditions pending compliance.
At the Kaduna State High Court, El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged financial misconduct.
One of the key allegations is that he influenced the Kaduna State Government to release about eleven billion naira to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed. He has consistently denied all allegations brought against him.
