The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Monday postponed the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after two of his co-defendants failed to appear in court.
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‎The case, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), involves allegations of abuse of office, financial misconduct, and fraud allegedly committed during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.
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‎El-Rufai was present in court and arrived around 9:30 a.m. in the company of anti-corruption officials, alongside operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
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‎However, the proceedings could not continue as scheduled due to the absence of two other defendants standing trial with him.
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‎Presiding Judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, subsequently adjourned the matter until June 24, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
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‎The ICPC alleges that public funds were approved and disbursed for projects that were either not executed, abandoned, or carried out in violation of due process during El-Rufai’s administration.
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‎The former governor, however, has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that every action taken during his time in office complied with the law.
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‎At earlier sittings, the court had already considered arguments relating to bail conditions and other preliminary objections filed by the defence.
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‎The case is expected to resume later in June, when the court will continue hearing pending motions and proceed with substantive issues.
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