A Federal High Court in Kaduna State has again postponed proceedings in the alleged corruption trial of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, with the case adjourned until later this month.
The trial, instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), centres on allegations of abuse of office, fraud and financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s time in office. The former governor has consistently denied all charges and maintains that he is innocent.
At Monday’s hearing, El-Rufai arrived at the court accompanied by officials of the ICPC, the Department of State Services and the police. The court had been expected to continue hearing applications and arguments from both the prosecution and defence.
Prosecutors allege that public funds were released for projects that were either not executed or were improperly managed. However, the defence has rejected the allegations.
Earlier in April, Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million, subject to conditions including two sureties. Efforts by his legal team to seek a variation of the bail terms have continued as the case progresses.
The court ultimately adjourned the matter due to the absence of two co-defendants standing trial alongside the former governor.
The latest postponement extends legal proceedings in a case that has attracted significant public attention, with both the prosecution and defence expected to return to court when hearings resume later this month.