A heavy security presence around the court before the hearing had fuelled speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody. Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application. “The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14. El-Rufai was earlier arraigned at the Kaduna State High Court, Kawo, alongside Amadu Sule on charges including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage. Those charges are separate from the Federal High Court case.

Source: Punch April 01, 2026 19:41 UTC