Nasir El-Rufai bail judgment reserved by Court of Appeal in Kaduna

The Court of Appeal in Kaduna has reserved its judgment in an appeal by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, who is challenging the refusal of a lower court to grant him bail. Presiding Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi announced the decision after listening to the concluding arguments from both the legal team representing the former governor and the state's prosecutors. This appeal stems from a previous ruling by the Kaduna State High Court, which had denied the former governor's request for bail. During the proceedings, Nasir El-Rufai’s lawyers argued that the high court’s decision to deny bail was legally flawed and should be overturned. They urged the appellate court to consider the merits of their client's application and grant him bail pending the resolution of the main case. In response, the prosecution maintained that the lower court’s decision was sound and should be upheld by the Court of Appeal. Justice Otisi, after hearing the submissions, did not set a specific date for the final ruling but indicated that the parties would be notified once the judgment is ready. This legal battle is closely watched as it involves a significant political figure and addresses critical questions regarding the standards for bail in high-profile judicial matters.