El-Rufai's Trial Adjourned Over Co-Defendants' Absence

The trial of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, was stalled on Monday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna due to the absence of two co-defendants. The case is linked to allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office during El-Rufai's tenure from 2015 to 2023.

El-Rufai arrived at the court at 9:30 AM, accompanied by officials from the anti-graft agency and the Nigeria Police Force. However, proceedings could not continue as the two co-defendants failed to appear.

Justice Rilwanu Aikawa subsequently adjourned the matter to June 24, 2026. The prosecution alleges that public funds were released for projects that were either not executed or handled irregularly during El-Rufai's administration.

El-Rufai has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that all actions taken during his tenure complied with the law. The trial is expected to attract significant public attention due to El-Rufai's prominent role in Nigerian politics.