Court Adjourns El-Rufai Trial Over Absence of Co-Defendants

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Monday adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after two co-defendants failed to appear before the court.

The case, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), centres on allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.

El-Rufai, who was present in court, arrived at about 9:30 a.m. accompanied by officials of the anti-graft agency, as well as operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force. However, proceedings could not continue as scheduled due to the absence of two other defendants standing trial alongside the former governor.

Following the development, the presiding judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, adjourned the matter until June 24, 2026, for the continuation of hearing and consideration of pending applications.

The prosecution alleges that public funds were approved and released for projects that were either not executed, abandoned, or irregularly handled during El-Rufai’s administration. Investigators are also examining the award and execution of contracts as well as the management of public resources during the period under review.

According to the ICPC, some officials who served under the former governor were involved in transactions that allegedly resulted in financial losses to the Kaduna State Government. The agency maintains that certain procurement processes did not comply with established due process requirements.

El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations against him, insisting that actions taken during his administration were lawful and in line with applicable procurement regulations and financial guidelines. The other defendants have also denied any wrongdoing.

At previous sittings, the court heard arguments relating to bail conditions and preliminary applications filed by the defence team. Monday’s proceedings were expected to feature further arguments on pending motions before the matter was adjourned.

The trial has continued to attract significant public interest due to El-Rufai’s prominent role in Nigerian politics and his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

The case is expected to resume on June 24, when the court will hear outstanding applications and continue substantive proceedings.