The Federal High Court in Kaduna was unable to sit on Wednesday after the presiding judge reportedly fell ill, delaying a ruling on the bail applications of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal.
The ruling was expected in a corruption case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission against the defendants. Justice Hauwa’u Buhari had earlier scheduled Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for the decision after hearing arguments from both prosecution and defence counsel.
However, the proceedings did not take place as planned. A court source confirmed the development, stating that the judge was reportedly unwell. A new date for the ruling is expected to be communicated to all parties involved.
The latest development comes just days after another legal setback for El-Rufai. On Monday, the Kaduna State High Court rejected a separate bail application filed by the former governor in another case being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency.
Justice Diruis Khobo dismissed the application, ruling that it lacked merit. According to the court, El-Rufai failed to provide sufficient and convincing materials that would justify granting him bail. The judge held that no credible evidence or documentation was presented to support the request.
Despite rejecting the application, the court directed the ICPC to provide El-Rufai unrestricted access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria for treatment if necessary. The court also ordered that he remain in the custody of the agency while adjourning the matter to July 7 and 8, 2026.
At the Federal High Court, El-Rufai is facing trial alongside his former Special Adviser, Jimi Lawal, and five corporate entities over an amended 11-count charge involving alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct, and money laundering.
El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to count one, while Lawal denied counts six, seven, and eight. One of the companies involved, Singularity Network Security Limited, also entered a not guilty plea to several charges.
The ICPC alleged that investigations uncovered irregularities involving the handling of public funds and the award of government contracts during El-Rufai’s administration, leading to the alleged diversion and misuse of state resources.
The former governor has repeatedly denied all allegations, insisting that every action taken during his eight years in office was lawful and carried out in the public interest.
In a separate Kaduna State High Court matter, El-Rufai is also facing a nine-count charge related to alleged abuse of office during his tenure between 2015 and 2023. Prosecutors claim he violated public procurement and financial management procedures in the execution of certain government projects.
While El-Rufai’s legal team maintains that the cases are politically motivated and without merit, the anti-corruption agency insists it possesses substantial documentary and witness evidence to support the charges.
The twin prosecutions have continued to attract nationwide attention due to El-Rufai’s high-profile political status and his eight-year administration in Kaduna State.
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