ALLEGED CORRUPTION: El-Rufai appears in court with Kaduna ADC Governorship Candidate
By OUR REPORTER, Kaduna
El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, over allegations of financial misconduct relating to his administration of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court for the continuation of his corruption trial, arriving at the court alongside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the state, Isa Ashiru.
El-Rufai arrived at the court premises at about 11:50 a.m., ahead of the scheduled noon proceedings, as security was tightened around the court complex.
His appearance followed a directive by Justice Darius Khobo ordering the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to produce the former governor for the resumed hearing.
The court had adjourned proceedings on Monday October 12, 2026 following El-Rufai’s absence, after information emerged that he had requested access to his personal physician to review medical test results.
At the previous sitting, ICPC lead counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe, informed the court that the prosecution had expected the defendant to be present, notwithstanding an earlier application for adjournment by his lead defence counsel, Paul Erokoro.
Adedipe said he contacted the commission to ascertain why El-Rufai had not been brought to court and was informed that the former governor had requested to see his personal doctor.
Following the explanation, the prosecution conveyed the development to the court, prompting Justice Khobo to direct the commission to ensure El-Rufai’s presence at Tuesday’s proceedings.
The resumed hearing also comes against the backdrop of a recent decision by the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, which dismissed El-Rufai’s appeal challenging the state High Court’s refusal to grant him bail.
In its judgment delivered on October 9, the appellate court upheld the lower court’s decision, ruling that the former governor had not presented sufficient grounds to justify overturning the denial of bail.
El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, over allegations of financial misconduct relating to his administration of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
The former governor is facing multiple cases involving allegations of money laundering, fraud, abuse of office and other financial offences before different courts.
He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
The cases remain before the courts for determination, and the allegations against him have yet to be established through judicial proceedings.
