He was escorted into the courtroom around 9:30 a.m. by officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission alongside operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
The matter, filed by the ICPC, centres on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct said to have taken place during his time in office as governor. Prosecutors also allege that public funds were released for projects that were either not executed or were poorly managed.
El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations and maintains that he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
At the resumed hearing, the court is expected to continue considering motions and arguments from both the prosecution and defence as the trial advances.
Earlier on April 14, 2026, Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted him bail in the sum of ₦200 million, with strict conditions requiring two sureties—one a serving or retired civil servant at Grade Level 15, and the other a recognised traditional ruler.
Although his legal team has sought a variation of the bail terms, a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo had previously refused bail, citing concerns that his influence could potentially interfere with ongoing investigations into serious corruption allegations brought by the ICPC.