El-Rufai’s Bail Fate Hangs in the Balance as Court Defers Ruling to July 1

A Federal High Court sitting 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, until July 1, 2026.

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari fixed the date after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and defence teams in a high-profile corruption case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai, Lawal, and five companies are currently facing an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct, and money laundering. The defendants have, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel to the defendants informed the court that bail applications had already been filed and urged the court to consider them. Following arguments from both parties, Justice Buhari reserved ruling on the applications until July 1.

The former governor arrived at the court amid tight security as proceedings in the closely watched case continued.

Earlier the same day, El-Rufai also appeared before a Kaduna State High Court in a separate ICPC prosecution involving allegations of abuse of office and money laundering linked to his administration between 2015 and 2023.

That matter was subsequently adjourned until June 29, 2026, for further hearing.

According to the ICPC, investigations revealed alleged irregularities in the management of public funds and the award of government contracts during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.

However, El-Rufai and the other defendants have denied all allegations, maintaining their innocence and pleading not guilty to the charges.

With two separate corruption cases now before the courts, attention will be focused on the upcoming rulings and hearings, which could shape the next phase of the legal battle involving the former Kaduna State governor.