Federal High Court rules it cannot hear bail applications before arraignment as former Kaduna governor remains in ICPC custody.

A Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday declined to entertain a bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ruling that the request was premature.

The court, presided over by Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik, held that it could not consider a bail application before the defendant is formally arraigned. Consequently, the matter was adjourned to April 23, 2026, for El-Rufai’s arraignment.

Legal sources at the hearing confirmed that El-Rufai’s counsel was not permitted to move the bail application during the session, in line with the court’s position.

El-Rufai was absent from court as he remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The former governor is expected to be produced in court on the next adjourned date when the charges against him will be formally read.

The proceedings drew the attention of political stakeholders and observers, including leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Among those present was Bolaji Abdullahi, who attended to monitor developments in the case.

Wednesday’s ruling adds to a growing list of legal battles involving the former governor and federal anti-corruption agencies. El-Rufai recently filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit, challenging what his legal team describes as an unlawful search of his Abuja residence.

The suit names the ICPC, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrate Court, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents. Court documents indicate that the challenge centers on the legality of a search warrant allegedly used during the operation, with the defence arguing that the warrant lacked sufficient detail and contained material errors. The respondents are yet to publicly respond to the claims.

El-Rufai’s representatives have also raised concerns over his detention conditions, alleging restricted access to personal necessities and an overnight transfer between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC without prior notice. Authorities have not issued an official statement addressing these allegations.

With the court’s refusal to hear the bail application, attention now turns to April 23, when El-Rufai’s arraignment is expected to clarify the charges against him and determine the next phase of the proceedings.