The former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been granted temporary bail from ICPC custody.
The El-Rufai temporary bail decision was made to allow him attend the funeral of his mother.
Moreover, the move has drawn public attention, given his ongoing trial and recent court proceedings.
El-Rufai was released to enable him attend the burial of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. She passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday, March 27.
Meanwhile, confirmation of his release came through his son, Bashir El-Rufai. He shared the update on social media, expressing strong emotions.
“My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful and illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that is a lame excuse of a pathetic institution.
Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufais.”
The El-Rufai temporary bail comes after weeks in detention. He has been held by the ICPC since February 18 over alleged financial misconduct.
In addition, he was recently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Kaduna. The case involves charges linked to public property and money laundering.
He appeared alongside another defendant, Joel Adoga, during the court session. Both individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges presented.
Furthermore, the court has adjourned ruling on his bail application to March 31, 2026. Until now, he had remained in custody.
Meanwhile, the temporary release has raised questions about the next phase of the trial.
The upcoming ruling on his bail application is expected to shape the direction of the case.
