El-Rufai's Corruption Trial Stalled as Co-Defendants Miss Court

At the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Monday, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State made an appearance as his case moved forward, though substantive hearings were unable to commence owing to procedural demands. Charges lodged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission against El-Rufai encompass allegations spanning his 2015 to 2023 tenure, including abuse of office, fraud, and financial impropriety.

The courthouse was secured by personnel from the anti-corruption agency, state security operatives, and law enforcement officers accompanying him to the facility. Presiding Justice Rilwanu Aikawa found that two co-defendants failed to show up and consequently postponed the case.

Typically, all defendants must be present for meaningful adjudication to take place. El-Rufai has persistently maintained his innocence throughout these legal proceedings.

The state's case alleges that money was disbursed irregularly or diverted to projects either incomplete or handled contrary to due process safeguards during El-Rufai's time in office. The defence team representing El-Rufai has maintained that he committed no wrongdoing regarding the charges.

Justice Aikawa set the next sitting for late June 2026, with either June 24 or June 28 as the scheduled date according to available information. Until that time, substantive evidence submission and witness examination remain pending.

Security agents from the Department of State Services and other agencies were present in and around the courthouse throughout Monday's proceedings.