Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Wednesday appeared before two separate courts in Kaduna over allegations of corruption, abuse of office and money laundering. Both matters were adjourned for further proceedings.
El-Rufai appeared before the Kaduna State High Court in a case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC). The matter which is before Justice Darius Khobo, centres on allegations of abuse of office and money laundering said to have occurred during El-Rufai’s administration as governor.
After proceedings, Justice Khobo adjourned the case until June 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
In a related development, El-Rufai was also arraigned at the Federal High Court alongside his former Special Adviser, Jimi Lawal, and five companies on an amended 11-count charge filed by the prosecution.
El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to Count One. Lawal pleaded not guilty to Counts Six, Seven and Eight, while One of the corporate defendants, Singularity Network Security Limited, was arraigned on Counts Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, Ten and Eleven.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants were involved in acts bordering on abuse of office and financial misconduct.
When the matter came up before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari, defence counsel informed the court that separate bail applications had been filed on behalf of El-Rufai and Lawal.
After hearing submissions from both prosecution and defence, the judge adjourned the case until July 1, 2026, for ruling on the bail applications.
El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations against him. The cases are expected to resume on the adjourned dates as the courts continue hearing on the charges.
