A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has postponed the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, until March 31.
El-Rufai was brought before the court on Tuesday on a 10-count charge involving alleged conversion of public assets and money laundering filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The former governor arrived at the court premises at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle accompanied by security operatives.
He stayed inside the vehicle for about 30 minutes before he was later escorted into the courtroom.
There was heavy security presence within and around the court premises ahead of the proceedings.
Counsel to the defendant, Mr Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail to enable his client prepare for his defence.
However, the prosecution counsel, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, opposed the application, arguing that granting bail at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations by the commission.
After listening to both parties, the presiding judge, Rilwanu Aikawa, adjourned the matter to March 31 for the hearing of the bail application.
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
