Nasir El-Rufai will remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The Court of Appeal in Kaduna has rejected his challenge to a ruling that denied him bail.
The Case So Far
El-Rufai governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. ICPC detained him in March 2026. The anti-graft agency is investigating alleged financial offences and procurement irregularities during his time in office. He denies any wrongdoing and has questioned why he is still being held.
His second bail request failed at the Kaduna State High Court on June 10, 2026. He then took the matter to the appellate court.
Why the Court Said No
A three-judge panel ruled unanimously on Thursday. It found three weaknesses in his case.
First, he offered nothing new. The judges said he showed no fresh facts or special circumstances that justified overturning the lower court.
Second, the prosecution raised his Arise Television interview of April 26, 2026. Prosecutors said he spoke of protecting his legacy from people trying to criminalise him. They also claimed he admitted tapping the phone of the National Security Adviser. These argued raised fears of interference with the trial. El-Rufai accepted that he gave the interview but noted that a separate trial covers that subject.
Third, his argument about his mother’s burial fell short. He said he returned to custody on his own after the funeral. Prosecutors replied that security agents stayed close to him throughout. His affidavit mentioned photographs from the prayers at Abuja’s National Mosque, but he never attached them. The court said a judge cannot guess what missing evidence would show.
Trial to Move Faster
The panel also kept the order for an accelerated hearing. The trial is to run day by day where practicable. The court saw no proof that the prosecution was dragging its feet.
El-Rufai still has one route open. If prosecutors slow down, he can go back to the trial court and ask for bail again.
The Judges’ Words
Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi wrote the lead judgment. Justice Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo agreed that nothing had changed since the earlier ruling. Justice Lateef Ganiyu added that leaving out key documents hurt the appeal.
Still Presumed Innocent
The court stressed that the ruling is not a finding of guilt. The Constitution still presumes El-Rufai innocent until proven otherwise.
