A fresh twist unfolded in the ongoing legal proceedings involving former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on Monday, as prosecutors amended the charges and removed one of the previously listed co-defendants, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant in the case.
Court officials confirmed that the amended charge sheet was formally adopted during proceedings, marking a significant shift in the structure of the case and narrowing the focus entirely on the former governor.
Following the development, El-Rufai’s legal team immediately entered a plea on his behalf, after which a bail application was swiftly moved before the court. Defence counsel argued for his release pending the continuation of trial, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle over whether the former governor should remain in custody or be granted conditional freedom.
Prosecutors, however, are expected to respond to the bail request during the next sitting, with both sides preparing to present arguments on whether the charges warrant continued detention or bail terms.
After brief submissions, the presiding judge adjourned the matter until Tuesday, 14 April, for the hearing and determination of the bail application.
Outside the courtroom, tensions remained high as supporters and observers closely followed the proceedings, which many see as a key early turning point in the case.
The next hearing is expected to be crucial in determining El-Rufai’s immediate legal fate as the case continues to attract national attention.
“We go again tomorrow,” a court insider remarked, summing up the anticipation surrounding the next session.
