Court Fixes July 1 For Ruling On El-Rufai’s Bail Application

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has fixed July 1, 2026, for ruling on bail applications filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, in an alleged corruption case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

NEWSNGR reports that El-Rufai appeared before two separate courts in Kaduna on Wednesday over allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety and money laundering.

At the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Hauwa’u Buhari, El-Rufai, Lawal, a former special adviser in his administration, and several companies were arraigned on an amended 11-count charge.

El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to Count One, while Lawal pleaded not guilty to Counts Six, Seven and Eight.

A company, Singularity Network Security Limited, was arraigned on Counts Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, Ten and Eleven.

Counsel for El-Rufai and the second defendant informed the court of pending bail applications.

After hearing arguments from both prosecution and defence, Justice Buhari adjourned the matter until July 1, 2026, for ruling.

In a related matter, El-Rufai also appeared before the Kaduna State High Court in another ICPC case bordering on alleged abuse of office and money laundering during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.

Justice Darius Khobo adjourned the case until June 29, 2026, for further hearing.

El-Rufai has denied all allegations, insisting that actions taken during his administration were lawful and in the public interest.