El-Rufai Corruption Trial Adjourned to June

KADUNA, Nigeria – The Kaduna State High Court has adjourned its ruling on the bail application of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the first week of June 2026.

Justice Darius Khobo announced the new date on Tuesday after fresh proceedings in the high-profile corruption case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). NaijaChoice News reports that the former governor remains in ICPC custody pending the outcome.

El-Rufai faces multiple charges of financial misconduct and abuse of office during his eight-year tenure as Kaduna State governor. He has repeatedly denied all the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

The adjournment came barely a week after the same court had fixed Tuesday for a ruling on the bail plea. Court insiders told NaijaChoice News the delay stems from the need to fully review arguments from both sides.

In a related development last week, the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai N200 million bail in a separate but linked ICPC case. However, he is yet to meet the strict conditions, including two sureties in like sum, and continues to be held by the anti-graft agency.

El-Rufai arrived at the Kaduna High Court on Tuesday under heavy security, accompanied by ICPC and Department of State Services operatives. Journalists were once again barred from the courtroom, heightening public curiosity about the trial.

The ICPC recently amended its nine-count charge, dropping co-defendant Amadu Suleiman due to his prolonged absence on medical grounds. Defence counsel Ubong Akpan (SAN) said the sudden change caught the team off guard.

Key allegations include the alleged approval of N11 billion for an unexecuted light rail project paid to an unregistered company. Other counts involve excess severance payments of N289.8 million, mismanagement of over $1.08 million from a World Bank facility, and the unlawful award of a N4.6 billion CCTV contract.

El-Rufai is also facing a 10-count money laundering charge at the Federal High Court. The dual trials have kept the former governor in the spotlight since his arrest earlier this year.

With the June date now set, legal experts say both prosecution and defence teams will use the intervening period to strengthen their positions in what has become one of Nigeria’s most watched graft cases.