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 an alleged corruption 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.
El-Rufai, Lawal and several corporate entities are facing charges related to alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct and money laundering.
“The court adjourned the matter for ruling on the bail applications.”
During the proceedings, the former governor and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them.
The defence team urged the court to grant bail, while the prosecution presented its arguments against the applications.
Following submissions from both sides, the judge reserved ruling and fixed July 1 for the decision.
Earlier the same day, El-Rufai also appeared before a Kaduna State High Court in a separate case instituted by the ICPC.
That case involves allegations of abuse of office and money laundering linked to his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.
The ICPC alleges that its investigations uncovered irregularities in the handling of public funds and contract awards during the period under review.
However, El-Rufai and the other defendants have denied all allegations and maintained their innocence.
Source: Federal High Court, Kaduna
