Court Again Adjourns El-Rufai’s Alleged Corruption Trial to June 28
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has once again adjourned the alleged corruption trial involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, pushing proceedings to June 28, 2026.
The case, instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), centres on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023. The former governor has consistently denied all allegations and maintains his innocence.
El-Rufai arrived at the court on Monday morning accompanied by officials of the ICPC, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and police personnel.
The court had been expected to continue hearing motions and arguments from both the prosecution and defence. However, proceedings could not advance as scheduled due to the absence of two co-defendants standing trial alongside the former governor.
The adjournment comes months after Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted El-Rufai bail on April 14, 2026, in the sum of ₦200 million. The bail conditions required two sureties, including a serving or retired civil servant on Grade Level 15 and a recognised traditional ruler.
While El-Rufai’s legal team sought a review of the bail conditions at the Federal High Court, a separate Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, earlier declined to grant him bail in a related matter, citing concerns that his influence could potentially interfere with ongoing investigations.
According to the ICPC, the charges stem from the alleged release of public funds for projects that were either not executed or improperly managed. The anti-corruption agency is seeking to prove claims of financial misconduct, while the defence continues to challenge the allegations.
The case is expected to resume on June 28, 2026.
