By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Federal High Court in Kaduna on Monday adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after two co-defendants failed to appear before the court.
El-Rufai, who is facing charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, was present in court and arrived at about 9:30 a.m. accompanied by officials of the anti-graft agency, as well as operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
The case centres on allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety and fraud during El-Rufai’s administration between 2015 and 2023. However, proceedings could not continue as scheduled due to the absence of two other defendants standing trial alongside the former governor.
Following the development, the presiding judge, Justice Rilwanu Aikawa, adjourned the matter until June 24, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
The prosecution alleges that public funds were released for projects that were either not executed, abandoned or irregularly handled during El-Rufai’s tenure. It also claims that some transactions involving former government officials resulted in financial losses to the Kaduna State Government.
The defendants have denied all allegations, maintaining that contracts and expenditures undertaken by the administration complied with relevant laws and procurement procedures.
At previous sittings, the court considered arguments on bail conditions and preliminary applications. The matter is expected to resume on June 24 for hearing of pending motions and substantive proceedings.