Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai arrives court as corruption trial continues

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Monday for the continuation of proceedings in his ongoing corruption trial.

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El-Rufai was brought to court at about 9:30 a.m. under the escort of officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The former governor is facing allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct during his time in office between 2015 and 2023.

According to the ICPC, funds were allegedly released for projects that were either not executed or were improperly managed. The anti-corruption agency is seeking to prove that public funds were misused during El-Rufai’s administration.

El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations against him and insists that he is innocent of the charges.

At Monday’s hearing, the court is expected to continue listening to arguments and applications from both the prosecution and defence teams as the trial progresses.

Recall that on April 14, 2026, Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the former governor bail in the sum of ₦200 million. The bail conditions required two sureties, including a serving or retired civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and a recognised traditional ruler.

Although El-Rufai’s legal team later applied for a review of the bail conditions, a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo reportedly declined subsequent bail requests, citing concerns that the former governor’s influence could interfere with ongoing investigations into the corruption allegations.