The trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on corruption-related charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was on Monday stalled at the Federal High Court in Kaduna after two co-defendants failed to appear in court.
The ICPC is prosecuting El-Rufai alongside other defendants over allegations bordering on abuse of office, fraud, and the alleged mismanagement of public funds during his eight-year administration in Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
Although the former governor was present in court for the proceedings, the absence of the two co-accused persons prevented the matter from proceeding as scheduled, bringing a halt to planned hearings on pending motions and applications.
Presiding judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, subsequently adjourned the case to June 24, 2026, for continuation of hearing and consideration of outstanding applications.
El-Rufai reportedly arrived at the court premises at about 9:30 a.m. under heavy security escort comprising operatives of the ICPC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
At the centre of the case are allegations by the anti-graft agency that funds approved for several state government projects during El-Rufai’s tenure were either diverted, improperly managed, or released for projects that were never completed.
The ICPC further alleges that its investigation into contract awards and project execution between 2015 and 2023 uncovered irregularities said to be in violation of procurement laws, resulting in alleged financial losses to the Kaduna State government.
According to the Commission, several contracts awarded during the period are under scrutiny over claims of procedural breaches, questionable project implementation, and alleged misapplication of public funds. It also maintains that some projects funded by the state were abandoned or not executed in line with due process requirements.
The anti-graft agency additionally alleges that certain officials who served in the El-Rufai administration were implicated in transactions that contributed to financial losses, with investigations still focusing on contract approvals, expenditure records, and implementation reports.
Monday’s sitting was expected to address key preliminary applications filed by the defence but could not proceed due to the absence of the co-defendants, leading to the adjournment.
However, El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations, insisting that his administration adhered strictly to due process, procurement laws, and financial regulations in the execution of projects and management of public resources.
He and the other defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case has continued to attract national attention given El-Rufai’s political profile and his tenure as governor of Kaduna State, with proceedings expected to resume later this month when the court reconvenes on June 24, 2026.