Alleged Corruption: El-Rufai’s trial continues at court today

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is expected to appear before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, for the continuation of his trial over alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office.

The hearing comes barely a day after the former governor appeared before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court in separate proceedings instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Tuesday’s proceedings lasted nearly eight hours, during which a prosecution witness presented evidence concerning alleged attempts to obstruct investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

El-Rufai is facing corruption-related cases arising from alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.

Although he was granted bail several months ago in the Federal High Court case, the former governor remains in ICPC custody in connection with the separate proceedings before the state high court.

On October 9, the Court of Appeal in Kaduna dismissed his appeal challenging the state high court’s refusal to grant him bail.

The appellate court ruled that El-Rufai had failed to establish sufficient grounds to warrant interference with the lower court’s decision.

During Tuesday’s hearing, a forensic investigator with the State Security Service (SSS), Segun Kayode, alleged that the former governor and some associates earmarked $600,000 to influence EFCC officials and intermediaries.

Kayode told the court that forensic audio recordings contained conversations allegedly linked to efforts to frustrate investigations into certain companies.

The allegations have not been established by the court.

The state high court adjourned the proceedings until November 30 and December 1 for the continuation of cross-examination, while the separate trial at the Federal High Court is scheduled to resume on Wednesday.