Lawyers say there was politics at play, as the Court detained el’Rufai at the ICPC until June

The Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday adjourned until the first week of June, to rule on the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.

Therefore, the former governor will remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) following developments.

However, his lawyer, Ukpong Akpan, emphasized that the case had political overtones, and emphasized that the legal team would remain guided by the supremacy of law.

The trial judge, Darius Khobo, set the date after giving arguments in the matter, which centers on nine amended charges that border on allegations of fraud, abuse of office and corruption.

The ICPC had previously amended the indictment and made El-Rufai the sole defendant in the case.

At the resumed hearing, proceedings focused on the former governor’s bail application, which prosecutors opposed on the grounds that it could interfere with ongoing investigations.

However, the decision on the application was postponed, and the court ordered that the defendant be returned to ICPC custody pending a decision.

The defendant’s legal counsel, Ukpong Akpan, faulted the court’s position and described it as unjustified and indicative of deeper concerns.

He argued that the refusal to grant bail appeared to be based on the assumption that his client, because he was a former governor, could tamper with the investigation.

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“The court, in its wisdom, decided that because Nasir El-Rufai is a former governor, he would interfere with the investigation. Therefore, he is not entitled to bail on charges of financial impropriety. We respectfully disagree,” he said.

Akpan said the defense team will study the court’s decision and take appropriate legal action to challenge it.

“The next step is to take the necessary legal steps to sue him. We will respond to this through the appropriate legal process. That is what the law requires,” he added.

The defense attorney further stated that the case had political overtones, and emphasized that the legal team would remain guided by the supremacy of law.

“From the start, everything about Nasir El-Rufai’s struggle has always been political. This is primarily the legal part,” he said.

He also appealed to the former governor’s supporters to remain calm and obey the law despite the developments.

“Don’t let fear take over. Don’t act as if something fatal has happened. Nobody died,” he said.

“In a conflict, you have advantages and setbacks. Sometimes things work against you, but you must not be afraid. Remain calm. We will continue this battle and we will win.”