…as two co-defendants fail to appear
The Federal High Court in Kaduna yesterday adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, to June 24, 2026, following the absence of two co-defendants in the case.
El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety and fraud during his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
The former governor, who was present in court, arrived at about 9:30 a.m. accompanied by officials of the ICPC, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
Proceedings, however, could not continue as scheduled after two other defendants failed to appear before the court.
The absence of the co-defendants prompted the presiding judge to adjourn the matter to enable all parties be properly represented before the court.
The court subsequently fixed June 24, 2026, for the continuation of hearing.
El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations against him, insisting that all actions taken during his administration were in accordance with the law.
The ICPC, on its part, alleged that public funds were released for projects that were either not executed or were irregularly handled under the former governor’s administration.
At previous sittings, the court had entertained arguments on bail conditions and preliminary applications filed by the defence team.
Monday’s sitting was expected to feature further arguments on pending motions before the unexpected adjournment.
The trial has continued to attract considerable public attention owing to El-Rufai’s political profile and his role in Kaduna State’s governance between 2015 and 2023.
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