El‑Rufai’s corruption trial stalls as co‑defendants fail to appear in court

The trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai was halted on Monday when two co‑defendants did not appear before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El‑Rufai, who is on trial for alleged abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was present in court. He was accompanied by ICPC officials, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, and police personnel.

Because the two co‑defendants were absent, the court could not proceed and the case was adjourned. The next hearing is scheduled for 28 June 2026.

El‑Rufai has repeatedly denied the charges. Prosecutors contend that public funds were improperly released for projects that were either not executed or were handled irregularly during his tenure as governor.