“That is a new low… it is neither law nor justice” — Odinkalu condemns El-Rufai bail ruling

Former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Chidi Odinkalu, has criticised a ruling by the Kaduna State High Court after it denied bail to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in an ongoing corruption case.

The decision was delivered by Justice Darius Khobo, who refused El-Rufai’s bail application on grounds that the seriousness of the charges and potential interference with investigations justified continued detention. The case is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai faces multiple allegations bordering on fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. He has denied all charges.

Reacting to the ruling in a post on X, Odinkalu said the justification offered by the court represents a dangerous interpretation of bail conditions in Nigeria’s justice system.

He stated: “Darius Khobo, a judge of the Kaduna State High Court, has ruled today denying bail to El-Rufai. The charges are fraud & money laundering. They are clearly bailable.”

Odinkalu further questioned the court’s reasoning that El-Rufai’s former status could allow him to interfere with investigations.

He said: “That is a new low. If this were to be the law, Nigeria’s prisons will be full of former governors, ex-Ministers, and extinguished Senators on pre-trial detention.”

He also warned that such reasoning, if applied broadly, could have wide-reaching consequences for other political figures currently facing trial.

Beyond legal concerns, Odinkalu acknowledged public sentiment around the case but insisted that it should not influence judicial standards.

He added: “I will denounce this again today because it is neither law nor Justice.”

He also drew a comparison between past conduct in office and the current ruling, describing both as departures from proper legal process.

“What El-Rufai did to his critics and opponents was a vile abuse of power… What has happened today in the court of Darius Khobo is just as vile,” he said.

The court has adjourned further proceedings, fixing June 2026 for the next hearing on the bail application and continuation of the trial.