Court Adjourns Bail Ruling for Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the ruling on the bail applications filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, until July 1, 2026. Both men are currently facing charges brought forward by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) involving allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and money laundering.

During the proceedings on Wednesday, presided over by Justice Hauwa’u Buhari, the defendants were arraigned on an amended 11-count charge. Alongside the former governor and his former aide, several corporate entities—including Singularity Network Security Limited—are also standing trial as defendants in the case. Following arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense, the court set the new date for the bail decision.

In addition to his appearance at the Federal High Court, the former governor appeared before the Kaduna State High Court in a separate case also filed by the ICPC. That matter, which focuses on allegations related to his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, was adjourned by Justice Darius Khobo until June 29, 2026, for further hearing.

Throughout the legal proceedings, the former governor has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that all actions taken during his administration were lawful and served the public interest. Conversely, the ICPC alleges that its investigations uncovered irregularities, including the misapplication of public funds and the improper awarding of contracts.

The trial continues to draw significant public interest due to the defendant’s prominent role in national politics. Security remained tight around the court premises as the legal process moves forward.