By Ghazali Ibrahim
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday appeared before the Federal High Court in Kaduna for the continuation of proceedings in his ongoing corruption trial.
El-Rufai arrived at the court premises at about 9:30 a.m. alongside officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as well as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
The former governor is facing charges filed by the ICPC over allegations of abuse of office, fraud and financial misconduct during his administration in Kaduna State. Prosecutors allege that public funds were released for projects that were either not executed or improperly managed.
El-Rufai has denied all the allegations, insisting that he is innocent of the charges brought against him.
At Monday’s hearing, the court is expected to consider additional motions and hear arguments from both the prosecution and defence as the case progresses.
The development follows an earlier ruling on April 14, 2026, when Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million. The bail conditions included two sureties, one of whom must be a serving or retired civil servant on Grade Level 15, while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler.
His legal team has since sought a variation of the bail conditions.
However, a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo had previously declined to grant him bail, citing concerns that his influence could potentially affect ongoing investigations by the ICPC.
The trial also comes amid claims by El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, that the anti-corruption agency has denied the former governor access to medical treatment despite complaints of a worsening eye condition.
The court proceedings are expected to continue as both sides present their arguments in the case.
