El-Rufai Appears in Court for Trial Over Alleged Financial Crimes

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai has appeared in the Federal High Court in Kaduna to continue the trial concerning alleged financial misconduct and the wire‑tapping of the National Security Adviser. The case, brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accuses the former governor of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud during his tenure.

El‑Rufai arrived at the court under a heavy security escort.

The trial was previously adjourned to 24 June 2026 after two co‑defendants failed to attend court. El‑Rufai has denied the charges, while the ICPC maintains that it possesses evidence supporting the allegations.

On 14 April 2026, Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the former governor bail of N200 million, conditioned on two sureties: one a serving or retired civil servant at Grade Level 15, and the other a recognised traditional ruler. A subsequent application by the governor’s lawyers to modify the bail conditions was rejected by the court.

The court proceedings scheduled for Wednesday will also see the two co‑defendants present to continue the substantive hearing.

Details to follow…