A Federal High Court in Kaduna has postponed its decision on bail applications filed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai and co-defendant Jimi Lawal. Justice Hauwa'u Buhari set July 1, 2026 as the new ruling date.
The court heard arguments from prosecutors and defence lawyers in the corruption case brought by the ICPC. El-Rufai, Lawal, and five companies face an amended 11-count charge of alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct, and money laundering.
Both men pleaded not guilty to all charges against them. Defence counsel told the court that bail applications were already filed and asked the judge to consider them.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the judge reserved judgment until July 1. El-Rufai entered the courtroom under tight security as the high-profile proceedings unfolded.
On Wednesday, the former Kaduna governor also appeared before a state high court in another ICPC case. That matter involves separate allegations of abuse of office and money laundering from his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
The state court adjourned the case until June 29, 2026 for the next hearing. ICPC investigators say they found alleged irregularities in how public funds were handled and government contracts were awarded.
El-Rufai and other defendants reject the allegations. They've all entered not guilty pleas to the charges.
