El-Rufai appears in court as ICPC corruption trial continues

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state on Monday appeared before the federal high court in Kaduna as proceedings resumed in the corruption case filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai arrived at the court accompanied by security operatives, including personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The former governor is standing trial over allegations of abuse of office, financial misconduct and irregular handling of public funds during his administration between 2015 and 2023.

According to the anti-corruption agency, some government funds were allegedly disbursed for projects that were either not executed or were carried out without following due process.

El-Rufai has denied all allegations levelled against him and entered a not-guilty plea when the charges were filed.

At Monday’s sitting, the court was expected to hear pending applications and arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams as the trial progresses.

The former governor was granted bail in April by the court under conditions that included the provision of two sureties. One of the sureties was required to be a serving or retired senior civil servant, while the other was to be a recognised traditional ruler.

Following the ruling, El-Rufai’s legal team sought a review of some of the bail conditions, arguing that certain requirements were difficult to fulfil.

The case has continued to attract public attention due to El-Rufai’s influence in national politics and his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

Further proceedings have been adjourned as the court continues to hear arguments from both parties.