Court Defers Ruling on El-Rufai's Bail as Former Governor Appears in Two Courts in One Day

A Federal High Court in Kaduna has postponed its ruling on the bail applications filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, in a case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Justice Hauwa'u Buhari adjourned the matter until July 1, 2026, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams on Wednesday.

The former governor, Lawal and five corporate entities were arraigned before the court on an amended 11-count charge involving allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety and money laundering.

During the proceedings, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to Count One of the charge, while Lawal entered not guilty pleas to Counts Six, Seven and Eight.

One of the corporate defendants, Singularity Network Security Limited, was arraigned on Counts Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, Ten and Eleven.

Counsel for the defendants informed the court that applications seeking bail had been filed and were pending determination.

Following submissions from both sides, Justice Buhari reserved ruling on the applications and fixed July 1 for the decision.

The proceedings drew significant attention as El-Rufai arrived at the Federal High Court under heavy security.

The hearing marked only one part of a busy legal day for the former governor.

Earlier on Wednesday, El-Rufai had appeared before a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo in a separate criminal case also instituted by the ICPC.

That case relates to allegations of abuse of office and money laundering allegedly committed during El-Rufai's administration between 2015 and 2023.

After taking arguments in the matter, Justice Khobo adjourned proceedings until June 29, 2026.

According to the ICPC, investigations into the administration uncovered alleged irregularities involving the management of public funds and the award of government contracts during the period under review.

The commission maintains that evidence gathered during its investigation supports the charges filed before both courts.

However, El-Rufai and the other defendants have firmly denied all allegations.

They have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are expected to contest the cases as the trials progress.

The July 1 ruling by the Federal High Court will determine whether El-Rufai, Lawal and the affected corporate entities will be granted bail pending further proceedings.

The cases remain before the courts, and no verdict has been delivered against any of the defendants.