El-Rufai corruption case suffers fresh delay as Kaduna Federal High Court adjourns hearing on pre-trial motions to June 1

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday faced a fresh setback in the ongoing El-Rufai corruption case after a Federal High Court in Kaduna adjourned proceedings until June 1, 2026, to hear two pre-trial motions filed against charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

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Justice Rilwanu Aikawa fixed the new date after lead counsel to the former governor, Mustapha Abubakar (SAN), informed the court of pending applications requiring determination before substantive proceedings could commence.

The anti-graft agency had instituted charges against El-Rufai over alleged financial misconduct linked to contracts awarded during his administration in Kaduna State.

Although details of the motions were not fully argued in open court, defence lawyers maintained that the applications raised critical legal questions capable of affecting the direction of the trial.

Counsel for the ICPC did not oppose the adjournment, prompting the court to grant the request and reschedule the matter for hearing.

The latest development marks another significant moment in the high-profile El-Rufai corruption case, which has attracted intense political and legal attention across Nigeria.

Supporters of the former governor gathered quietly around the court premises, while security operatives maintained a visible presence to prevent disruptions during proceedings.

El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and insisted that the allegations against him are politically motivated.

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The June hearing is expected to determine whether the case proceeds fully to trial or if any of the defence applications could alter the course of the proceedings.