El-Rufai Returns to Court as Corruption Trial Resumes, Bail Appeal Fails

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai returned to the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday as proceedings resumed in his corruption case, days after the Court of Appeal rejected his latest challenge to the denial of bail.

El-Rufai arrived at the court at about 11:50 a.m., accompanied by Isa Ashiru, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State. Security was tightened around the court complex ahead of the hearing.

His appearance followed an order by Justice Darius Khobo directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to produce him in court after he was absent at Monday’s sitting.

The previous hearing was adjourned after the prosecution informed the court that El-Rufai had requested access to his personal physician to review medical test results. The development prompted the judge to direct that the former governor be brought before the court on Tuesday.

The latest proceedings come after a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, in a unanimous judgment delivered on October 8, dismissed El-Rufai’s appeal against the refusal of bail. The judgment, delivered by Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi, held that he had not established fresh facts or special circumstances to justify overturning the lower court’s decision.

The appellate court also upheld the order for an accelerated trial, with proceedings to take place from day to day as far as practicable. It stressed that the bail decision did not amount to a finding of guilt and that El-Rufai remained presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

The former governor has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, over allegations of financial misconduct linked to his administration between 2015 and 2023.

His legal challenges extend beyond the Kaduna State High Court case. He is also facing proceedings involving alleged money laundering, abuse of office, fraud and financial irregularities. One separate case reportedly concerns an alleged ₦8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract, while another involves allegations relating to severance payments and other financial transactions.

El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The presence of Ashiru at Tuesday’s hearing drew political attention, given his role as the ADC’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election. However, the central issue before the court remains the prosecution’s case and the evidence to be considered during trial.

The outcome of the resumed proceedings will determine the next steps in a case that has faced repeated adjournments and unsuccessful bail applications.