Abuja, April 22, 2026 — Prominent activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has strongly opposed what he described as “lawfare” against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging Nigerian courts to uphold the rule of law by granting bail and ensuring a fair trial.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Sowore declared, “I will never support the LAWFARE being waged against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Let the courts uphold the rule of law by granting him bail and ensuring he receives a fair trial. Bail is a constitutional right not a tool for punishment or intimidation. “He added that using bail as a means of “caging Nigerians” is unjust, unlawful, and unacceptable, stressing that the practice must be rejected regardless of the individual involved.

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, faces multiple corruption charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The charges, which include alleged fraud, abuse of office, and conversion of public funds, reportedly involve sums such as ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million in some accounts, with specific figures cited in court documents including ₦289.8 million and $797,900 as suspected proceeds of unlawful activities. He was arrested in February 2026 and is standing trial on a nine- or ten-count charge alongside a co-defendant.

A Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum and other strict conditions, including surrender of his international passport. However, he has remained in ICPC custody pending full compliance with the conditions. Separately, the Kaduna State High Court adjourned its ruling on a related bail application to the first week of June 2026, citing various procedural reasons, meaning the former governor continues to be detained.

Sowore’s intervention has sparked mixed reactions online, with some users praising his consistency in defending due process for all citizens irrespective of past controversies, while others pointed to El-Rufai’s governance record in Kaduna—including allegations of ethnic tensions, mass dismissals of traditional leaders, and security issues in Southern Kaduna—as reasons for skepticism.Legal observers note that El-Rufai must satisfy bail conditions in both the Federal High Court and Kaduna State High Court matters before potential release. His legal team has argued against prolonged detention, describing aspects of the process as politically motivated, though the ICPC maintains it is pursuing legitimate anti-corruption efforts.This development highlights ongoing debates in Nigeria about the use of pre-trial detention, the principle of presumption of innocence, and the selective application of bail in high-profile cases.El-Rufai Remains in Custody Despite Federal Bail as Kaduna Court Adjourned RulingKaduna, April 22, 2026 — Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai will stay in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) after a Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday adjourned its decision on his bail application to June 2026.The adjournment came despite a recent N200 million bail granted by the Federal High Court in the same corruption case. Justice Darius Khobo presided over the state high court proceedings, where El-Rufai faces amended charges of fraud and abuse of office during his tenure.

Court sources indicated the delay stems from procedural issues, including the need for further arguments. El-Rufai’s defence has pushed for immediate bail, arguing that continued detention without conviction violates constitutional rights, while the ICPC has opposed relaxed terms, citing the gravity of the allegations.The case has drawn national attention, with activists like Sowore framing the delays as potential “lawfare” — the weaponization of legal processes for political ends. El-Rufai’s supporters and critics alike are watching closely as the matter stretches into mid-2026.Analysts say the dual-court situation complicates his release: full compliance with conditions from both jurisdictions is required before he can walk free pending trial. The ICPC has so far declined detailed public comment beyond confirming it is following court directives.