The Federal High Court in Kaduna has postponed the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, after two co-defendants named in the case failed to appear before the court.
The matter, which is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was adjourned to June 24, 2026, following the absence of the co-defendants, preventing the court from proceeding with the scheduled hearing.
El-Rufai, who is facing allegations of abuse of office, financial misconduct, and fraud linked to his time as governor of Kaduna State, was present in court when the case was called. The former governor arrived at the court premises in the morning accompanied by security personnel, including officials from the ICPC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
Despite expectations that the court would continue hearing arguments on pending motions, proceedings were stalled after it became clear that two other defendants listed in the charge were not in attendance. Following submissions from legal representatives, the presiding judge ordered an adjournment and fixed June 24 for the continuation of the trial.
The case remains one of the most closely watched legal proceedings involving a former state governor in recent years. The ICPC alleges that public funds were improperly managed during El-Rufai’s administration and claims that certain projects for which government funds were released were either not completed or were not executed in line with approved procedures.
According to the anti-corruption agency, its investigation uncovered evidence supporting the charges brought against the defendants. The commission has repeatedly stated its determination to pursue the matter through the judicial process and obtain a legal resolution.
El-Rufai, however, has consistently denied all allegations. The former governor maintains that every decision taken during his administration complied with existing laws, regulations, and government procedures. His legal team has also challenged aspects of the case through various applications and preliminary motions filed before the court.
Since the trial began, court sessions have featured arguments relating to bail conditions, procedural matters, and legal objections raised by the defence. Monday’s hearing was expected to advance those proceedings before the unexpected absence of the co-defendants forced another delay.
The development adds a new chapter to a case that has continued to attract national attention due to El-Rufai’s prominent role in Nigerian politics. He served as Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and remains an influential figure in the country’s political landscape.
With the trial now adjourned, both the prosecution and defence teams are expected to return to court later this month as legal proceedings continue. Observers will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and whether the court will move forward with substantive hearings at the next sitting.
The outcome of the trial could have significant implications, not only for the former governor and the other defendants involved, but also for ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency in public office across Nigeria.
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