Court adjourns El-Rufai’s trial to June 24

From Femi Oyelola,Kaduna

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Monday adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai after two co-defendants failed to appear before the court, halting proceedings on charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).
The case involves allegations of abuse of office, financial misconduct, and fraud related to contracts and public funds during El-Rufai’s term as governor from 2015 to 2023. El-Rufai was present in court, arriving around 9:30 a.m., accompanied by officials from the anti-graft agency, as well as officers from the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
However, the presiding judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, could not proceed as scheduled because two other defendants standing trial alongside the former governor were absent.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to June 24, 2026, for further proceedings.
The prosecution alleges that public funds were released for government projects that were either not executed, abandoned, or handled improperly in violation of due process.
ICPC also claims that some officials who served under the former governor participated in transactions that allegedly caused financial losses to the Kaduna State Government.
El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that all actions taken during his administration complied with existing laws and procurement protocols. At previous hearings, the court considered arguments regarding bail conditions and the defense’s preliminary motions.
Monday’s proceedings were expected to include further arguments on pending motions before the adjournment was announced.
The former governor and the other defendants maintain that all contracts and expenditures undertaken during his tenure were lawful.
The trial has drawn significant public attention due to El-Rufai’s prominence in national politics and his eight-year tenure as Kaduna State governor.
The case is scheduled to resume on June 24, when the court will address pending applications and continue with substantive hearings.