Court defers El-Rufai’s trial over absence of two co-defendants

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Monday adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai to June 24, 2026.

The trial suffered a setback because two co-defendants failed to appear in court.

El-Rufai, who is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud during his tenure as governor, was present in court when the matter was called.

The former governor arrived at the court premises at about 9:30 a.m., accompanied by officials of the ICPC, as well as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

However, proceedings could not continue as scheduled after two other defendants named in the charge failed to appear before the court.

Following submissions by counsel, the presiding judge adjourned the matter to June 24, 2026, for the continuation of the hearing.

El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations levelled against him, insisting that all actions taken during his administration were carried out in accordance with the law and established procedures.

The ICPC, on its part, alleges that public funds were released for projects that were either not executed or were improperly handled during the former governor’s administration.

The anti-corruption agency maintains that the charges against the defendants are supported by evidence gathered during its investigations and has expressed readiness to prosecute the case to its logical conclusion.

At previous sittings, the court had entertained arguments relating to bail conditions and preliminary applications filed by the defence team.

Monday’s proceedings were expected to feature further arguments on pending motions before the unexpected absence of the two co-defendants stalled the hearing.

The trial has continued to attract considerable public attention, given El-Rufai’s prominence in national politics and his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

With the matter now adjourned, both the prosecution and defence teams are expected to return to court on June 24 for the continuation of proceedings.