By Ayomide Otitoju
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned ruling on the bail applications filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, to July 1, 2026, in an alleged corruption case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Justice Hauwa’u Buhari fixed the date on Wednesday after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and defence counsel.
El-Rufai, Lawal and five corporate entities are facing an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial impropriety and money laundering.
During the arraignment, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to Count One of the charge, while Lawal pleaded not guilty to Counts Six, Seven and Eight.
One of the corporate defendants, Singularity Network Security Limited, was arraigned on Counts Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, 10 and 11.
Counsel to the defendants informed the court that applications seeking bail for the accused persons had been filed and were pending before the court.
After taking arguments from both parties, Justice Buhari adjourned the matter until July 1 for ruling on the bail applications.
The former governor arrived at the Federal High Court under heavy security as proceedings resumed in the high-profile case.
Earlier on Wednesday, El-Rufai appeared before a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo in a separate case also filed by the ICPC.
The case before the state high court involves allegations of abuse of office and money laundering allegedly committed during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.
Following proceedings, Justice Khobo adjourned the matter until June 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
According to the ICPC, its investigations uncovered alleged irregularities in the management of public funds and the award of government contracts during the period under review.
However, El-Rufai and the other defendants have denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
