As the alleged corruption suit against former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai came up yesterday, the State High Court denied his bail and adjourned the case to the first week of June for continuation of trial.

The presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, fixed the adjournment after hearing arguments on the matter, with the case expected to proceed on a day-to-day basis at the next sitting.

Addressing journalists shortly after the session, defence counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, especially the refusal by the trial judge to grant bail to his client.

According to him, “the court in its wisdom decided that because Nasir el-Rufai is a former governor, he is going to interfere with the investigation. Therefore, he is not entitled to bail in an allegation of financial impropriety.”

Akpan said the defence team would challenge the ruling through appropriate legal means.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had earlier arraigned el-Rufai on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud and other financial crimes.

Consequently, the ex-governor is to remain in ICPC custody till June. His bail application had been deferred to the first week of June.