BREAKING: El-Rufai to remain in detention until June as State Court adjourns bail hearing in ongoing corruption trial

A Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June 2026, extending proceedings in his ongoing corruption trial.

Justice Darius Khobo fixed the new date on Tuesday during proceedings in the case, where El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The former governor is facing multiple charges bordering on alleged financial crimes and abuse of office during his time in office. He has consistently denied all allegations.

The latest adjournment comes amid a series of legal battles involving El-Rufai in different courts.

In a related development last week, a Federal High Court granted bail to the former governor in a separate but connected case also filed by the ICPC.

El-Rufai had earlier appeared before the Kaduna State High Court under heavy security, drawing significant public attention to the trial.

The case reportedly suffered delays after the prosecution introduced an amended nine-count charge, which changed the structure of the case.

The revised charge dropped an earlier co-defendant, Amadu Sule, leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant.

Reacting to the development, his counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), said the defence was taken by surprise.

“The charges are entirely new to us. They were given to us this morning while we were already in court. That is why the matter could not proceed,” he said.

The charges stem from El-Rufai’s tenure as governor and include allegations that he authorised the release of about N11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed.

The ICPC also accused him of approving and receiving about N289.8 million as severance allowance above the legally permitted limit, as well as mismanaging over $1.08 million from a World Bank loan.

Other allegations include the unlawful award of a N4.6 billion CCTV contract in Kaduna metropolis in breach of procurement laws, and an alleged conspiracy to bribe federal investigators.

Aside from the Kaduna State High Court matter, El-Rufai is also facing trial before a Federal High Court on a separate 10-count charge bordering on money laundering, as well as alleged conversion and possession of public property.

With the latest adjournment, the legal battle involving the former governor will continue into June as both sides prepare to argue the pending bail application.

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