Hope for Former Governor of Kaduna State,Nasir El – Rufai to get bail dims as the High Court in Kaduna State has stepped it down citing what it called “weighty allegations” and concerns that his influence could interfere with ongoing investigations.
Justice Darius Khobo, while delivering the ruling,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.
The court held that the decision was influenced by concerns that El-Rufai’s position and influence could potentially obstruct ongoing investigative processes.
However, the defence team, led by Ubong Akpan, SAN, expressed disagreement with the ruling but said they would respect the court’s authority.
“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.
El Rufai’s legal team 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,”
A Federal High Court in Kaduna,had earlier granted El-Rufai bail under strict conditions pending compliance.
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.
