El-Rufai's Lawyer Withdraws Applications in Corruption Case

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, had three applications withdrawn by his new lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, during an ongoing corruption case at the Kaduna State High Court. This decision was communicated to Justice Dariu Khobo on Wednesday.

Erokoro explained that the defense team was unable to proceed with the arguments due to issues with the language in the previously submitted documents. He apologized to the court, stating that the applications were of a combative nature and deemed it necessary to withdraw them to prepare new applications that would better reflect the defense's position.

Erokoro requested additional time to finalize the new filings, which the court granted, adjourning the matter until July 22, 2026, when the fresh applications are expected to be heard. The prosecution, represented by Ibrahim Muktar, criticized the defense for repeatedly filing applications that slow down the trial's progress, asserting readiness to commence the trial.