El-Rufai’s corruption trial adjourned

The corruption trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai suffered another delay on Wednesday after the Federal High Court in Kaduna adjourned proceedings until December 8, 2026.

The adjournment followed the assignment of a new lawyer to the prosecution, who required additional time to study the case before proceeding with the hearing.

El-Rufai was seen leaving the court premises after Wednesday’s proceedings, with video footage capturing his departure.

The former governor is facing allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office linked to his administration of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

Wednesday’s hearing came barely 24 hours after he appeared before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court in a separate corruption-related case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

During Tuesday’s proceedings, a forensic investigator with the Department of State Services (DSS), Segun Kayode, alleged that El-Rufai and some associates earmarked $600,000 to influence officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and intermediaries.

The allegations remain unproven.

The state high court subsequently adjourned that case until November 30 and December 1 for further cross-examination.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026.

On October 9, the Court of Appeal in Kaduna upheld the state high court’s refusal to grant him bail, dismissing his appeal for lacking sufficient grounds.

The separate Federal High Court case is now scheduled to resume on December 8.