By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Nasir El-Rufai has been returned to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja following court proceedings related to his ongoing corruption trial.

The development occurred on Wednesday after the former governor appeared before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where arguments were presented on his bail application.

The court, presided over by Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, adjourned the case and scheduled April 14, 2026, to deliver a ruling on whether El-Rufai will be granted bail.

Security operatives escorted the former governor to the courtroom under tight protection around 9:00 a.m., with strict security measures in place across the court premises.

Initial reports circulating online claimed that El-Rufai had been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) after the hearing.

However, officials from the security agency denied the claims, stating that the former governor remained in the custody of the anti-corruption commission.

ICPC spokesperson John Odey confirmed the clarification, explaining that El-Rufai was transported back to Abuja immediately after the court proceedings.

The defence team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Iyamu, said they were optimistic about the outcome of the bail ruling.

According to Iyamu, both the defence and prosecution presented arguments regarding the bail application during the hearing, and the legal team now awaits the court’s decision.

Beyond the corruption allegations currently before the ICPC, the Federal Government has also filed separate charges against El-Rufai concerning alleged illegal wiretapping.

In a case before the Federal High Court in Abuja, prosecutors claim the former governor admitted during a televised interview that he and others unlawfully intercepted phone communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The charges, filed on February 16, 2026, allege violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Authorities claim the alleged interception compromised national security and created public concern about safety.

As the legal proceedings continue, attention now shifts to April 14, when the court will determine whether the former Kaduna State governor will remain in custody or be granted bail.