Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that there are fresh attempts to link him to criminal activities, warning of what he described as a coordinated plan to damage his image and hinder his chances of securing bail.

The presiding judge, Darius Khobo, fixed the date after listening to arguments from both legal teams.

However, in a statement released by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, the former governor raised concerns about what he called “deliberate schemes” aimed at keeping him in detention.

He referenced an earlier incident on February 12, 2026, claiming there were plans to arrest him upon his arrival at Abuja Airport from Cairo, describing it as the beginning of a troubling trend.

The statement further noted that he honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16.

It added that he was later detained and subsequently moved to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on February 18.

El-Rufai’s team also criticised a report published by a national newspaper on April 18, which carried the headline “El-Rufai’s trial: Gunmen invade principal witness home.”

The report cited a witness, Mohammed Umar Karage, who alleged that gunmen attacked his residence.

Karage reportedly suggested that the attack might be connected to his involvement in the case, possibly as an attempt to intimidate him.

He also compared the situation to the disappearance of Kaduna-based activist, Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.

El-Rufai denied any link to the incident, describing the claims as baseless and damaging.

According to the statement, the publication was intended to harm his reputation and affect the outcome of his bail request.

“Any reasonable observer can see the clear motive behind such claims — to discredit him and justify his continued detention,” the statement said.

Reaffirming his innocence, the former governor insisted he had no involvement in the alleged attack.

He revealed that his lawyers have been instructed to begin legal action for defamation against the newspaper.

The statement also claimed that since 2023, El-Rufai has faced ongoing criticism and attacks on his reputation despite his public service record.

It warned against the misuse of legal systems and urged that due process be respected.

“El-Rufai deserves the same legal rights guaranteed to every citizen, and the continued violation of those rights must stop,” the statement added.