By Sabiu Abdullahi
A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has shifted its decision on the bail applications filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, to July 1, 2026.
Justice Hauwa’u Buhari announced the new date after lawyers representing both the prosecution and the defence presented their arguments in the matter filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
The anti-graft agency is prosecuting El-Rufai, Lawal and five companies over an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct and money laundering.
During the proceedings, the defence counsel informed the court that applications seeking bail for the defendants had already been submitted and urged the court to consider them. After listening to arguments from both sides, the judge reserved ruling until July 1.
El-Rufai arrived at the court premises under tight security as the hearing continued.
Earlier on Wednesday, the former governor also appeared before a Kaduna State High Court in another ICPC case linked to allegations of abuse of office and money laundering during his administration between 2015 and 2023.
The state high court later adjourned the matter until June 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
According to the ICPC, investigations uncovered alleged irregularities involving the management of public funds as well as the award of government contracts.
However, El-Rufai and the other defendants denied all allegations brought against them and pleaded not guilty before the court.
