The Kaduna State High Court has denied bail to former governor Nasir El-Rufai, with the presiding judge saying the allegations against him are serious and that his influence could interfere with ongoing investigations.

Ruling on the bail application, Justice Darius Khobo held that the allegations of financial impropriety leveled against the former governor are “weighty enough to warrant his continued detention.” The decision comes despite an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court in Kaduna, which had granted El-Rufai bail under strict conditions, pending compliance.

At the State High Court, El-Rufai faces a nine-count charge, including allegations that he influenced the Kaduna State Government to release about ₦11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed. He has denied all the allegations.

Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the former governor, Ubong Akpan, SAN, said the defence disagrees with the decision but respects the court’s position. He confirmed that the legal team will file an appeal to challenge the ruling. Akpan also maintained that the case is politically motivated, describing the trial as “part of a broader agenda.”

The court has yet to fix a date for the continuation of trial.