Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday for the continuation of his corruption trial. He was accompanied by the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru. El-Rufai's appearance followed an order by Justice Darius Khobo directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to produce him in court. The court had been informed that El-Rufai had requested to see his personal physician to review medical test results.
El-Rufai's trial was adjourned on Monday after he failed to appear in court. The ICPC lead counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe, had informed the court that the prosecution had expected El-Rufai to be present despite a request for an adjournment by his lead defence counsel, Paul Erokoro. Adedipe said he contacted the ICPC to establish why El-Rufai was not brought to court and was informed that he had requested access to his personal doctor.
The prosecution subsequently communicated the development to the court, prompting Justice Khobo to order the ICPC to produce El-Rufai for Tuesday's proceedings. El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, over allegations of financial misconduct linked to his administration of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023. He is facing multiple cases involving allegations of money laundering, abuse of office, fraud and other financial offences.
The allegations against El-Rufai remain subject to judicial determination. He has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The former governor's trial is one of several cases against him before different courts. The ICPC has been investigating El-Rufai's administration since he left office in 2023.
The Court of Appeal in Kaduna had recently dismissed El-Rufai's appeal challenging the refusal of bail by the state high court. In its judgment delivered on October 9, the appellate court upheld the lower court's decision, ruling that El-Rufai had failed to establish sufficient grounds to warrant interference with the refusal of bail. El-Rufai had been seeking bail, but the court had refused, citing the severity of the allegations against him.
El-Rufai's appearance in court on Tuesday was a significant development in his trial. The case is expected to continue with the prosecution presenting its evidence against the former governor. The ICPC has stated that it will provide evidence of financial misconduct by El-Rufai's administration, including allegations of misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.
The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the court hearing from witnesses and considering evidence presented by the prosecution and defence. The outcome of the trial will determine whether El-Rufai is guilty of the charges against him.
Key points
- El-Rufai faces multiple cases involving allegations of money laundering, abuse of office, fraud and other financial offences.
- The Court of Appeal in Kaduna dismissed El-Rufai's appeal challenging the refusal of bail by the state high court.
- El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
