The Court of Appeal has dismissed Nasir El-Rufai’s bail appeal. The three-member panel delivered a unanimous ruling. The former Kaduna State governor had challenged the state High Court’s decision to deny him bail. The appellate court held that El-Rufai failed to present fresh facts or demonstrate special circumstances. It affirmed the lower court’s discretion. He remains in custody. His trial continues.
El-Rufai’s prosecution stems from a 2024 Kaduna State House of Assembly probe. The report accused his 2015 to 2023 administration of mismanaging public funds. The ICPC filed multiple charges. One alleges he tapped the phone of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty. He calls the prosecution politically motivated. He was a founding APC member. He later fell out with the party’s national leadership.
Current event: The court held it would not interfere with a trial court’s findings of fact where they were not shown to be perverse. It struck out El-Rufai’s reply brief filed on 29 September. It described the brief as incompetent. It resolved the sole issue against him and in favour of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The trial is scheduled for 12 October. He has been in ICPC custody since 18 February. His legal team has not announced further appeals.
The ruling is a setback for El-Rufai. He has been a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration. His detention removes him from active politics. Supporters say the case is persecution. Prosecutors say it is accountability. The courts will decide.
Winners: The ICPC, which secures continued detention. The Federal Government, which wins the appeal. The court, which asserts authority. Losers: El-Rufai, who remains in custody. His legal team. His political allies. The opposition, which loses a vocal figure. His family.
Bottom Line: El-Rufai stays in custody. The Court of Appeal upheld the bail denial. His trial begins on 12 October. He denies all charges. The legal and political battles continue together.