Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai awaits El-Rufai bail ruling on July 1 as Federal High Court adjourns corruption case involving alleged abuse of office and money laundering
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his co-defendant Jimi Lawal, a former special adviser, appeared before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday 24 June 2026, where Justice Hauwa’u Buhari adjourned proceedings until 1 July for a ruling on their bail applications in an alleged corruption case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The 64-year-old El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, pleaded not guilty to Count One of the amended 11-count charge, while Lawal entered not guilty pleas to Counts Six, Seven, and Eight.
Corporate entities, including Singularity Network Security Limited, also faced multiple counts in the matter involving five companies in total.
Defence counsel informed the court of the pending bail applications, prompting arguments from both sides before the adjournment. El-Rufai had arrived at the court premises around 9:30 a.m. under tight security.
In a related case at the Kaduna State High Court before Justice Darius Khobo, El-Rufai faced further allegations of abuse of office and money laundering from his time in office. That matter was adjourned to 29 June for continuation of hearing.
The ICPC has accused the defendants of irregularities in the handling of government funds and contract awards, allegedly leading to diversion and misapplication of public resources.
El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that all actions taken during his administration were lawful and served the public interest.
Earlier in April, Justice Rilwan Aikawa had granted the former governor bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties, one a serving or retired civil servant on Grade Level 15 and the other a recognised traditional ruler. A subsequent application to vary those conditions was declined.
This high-profile trial continues to draw significant public attention given El-Rufai’s stature in Nigerian politics and his record of bold governance reforms in Kaduna State.
The developments reflect ongoing accountability efforts by anti-corruption agencies in the country, even as the defendants maintain their innocence and prepare for the judicial process to unfold.
The Federal High Court matter had previously been adjourned to allow for the presence of co-defendants. An emergency general meeting or further legal steps may follow the forthcoming bail ruling.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
