SUNTV Global Channel | June 15, 2026
The corruption trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suffered a setback on Monday after two defendants charged alongside him failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The case, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), involves allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and the mismanagement of public funds during El-Rufai’s administration between 2015 and 2023.
Although the former governor was present in court, proceedings could not continue due to the absence of the two co-defendants.
Presiding Judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, subsequently adjourned the matter until June 24, 2026.
El-Rufai arrived at the court premises around 9:30 a.m. under security provided by operatives of the ICPC, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the anti-corruption agency, investigations uncovered alleged irregularities in contract awards, project execution, and the management of public funds during the former governor’s eight-year tenure.
The ICPC alleges that funds approved for several government projects were either diverted, improperly managed, or released for projects that were abandoned, poorly executed, or never completed.
Investigators are reportedly examining contract awards, expenditure approvals, procurement processes, and project implementation records linked to the Kaduna State Government between 2015 and 2023.
The commission further claims that some former officials who served under El-Rufai’s administration were involved in transactions that allegedly caused financial losses to the state government.
Monday’s hearing was expected to address pending applications and motions filed by the defence team. However, the court was unable to proceed because of the absence of the co-accused persons.
El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations against him, insisting that his administration followed due process and complied with existing laws in the award of contracts and management of public resources.
The former governor and the other defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial has attracted significant public attention due to El-Rufai’s prominent role in national politics and his tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023.
The case is expected to resume on June 24, when the court will consider pending applications and continue hearing the substantive matter.
