Former Kaduna Governor’s Appeal Dismissed as Trial Set to Begin October 12
The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna has dismissed an appeal filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, challenging the decision of the Kaduna State High Court to deny him bail.
In a unanimous judgment in Appeal No. CA/K/254C/2026, a three-member panel held that El-Rufai failed to establish fresh facts or special circumstances warranting interference with the lower court’s decision.
The lead judgment, delivered by Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi, affirmed the High Court’s June 10, 2026, ruling rejecting El-Rufai’s second bail application. The appellate court held that the trial judge exercised his discretion judicially and judiciously, with no miscarriage of justice.
The court also struck out El-Rufai’s reply brief filed on September 29, describing it as incompetent. It resolved the sole issue for determination against the former governor and in favour of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The appellate panel maintained that it would not interfere with a trial court’s findings of fact unless they were shown to be perverse. It consequently dismissed the appeal for lack of merit.
The substantive trial is scheduled to commence on October 12, 2026. The ruling comes days after Justice Darious Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court rejected El-Rufai’s bail and recusal applications.
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 18, 2026, and has spent nearly eight months in detention.