The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned the hearing of a bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, directing that he remain in custody pending the determination of the application.

El-Rufai was brought before the court on Tuesday to face charges bordering on the alleged conversion of public property and money laundering. The charges were instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Security was tightened around the court premises ahead of the proceedings, with operatives deployed within and outside the facility. The former governor arrived at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle and remained inside for approximately 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom shortly after.

During the hearing, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail to enable his client adequately prepare for his defence. However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that granting bail at this stage could hinder ongoing investigations by the commission.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his earlier release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His continued detention has drawn reactions from various quarters, with calls for either his release or formal arraignment. While in custody, the former governor reportedly declined to respond to questions from investigators, citing his constitutional right to remain silent.

Earlier, on March 5, a magistrate court extended his initial remand order by an additional 14 days.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of the search conducted on his residence by the ICPC, as well as the remand order issued against him on February 19.