El-Rufai Appears Before Two Courts Over Corruption Allegations, Cases Adjourned

El-Rufai Appears Before Two Courts Over Corruption Allegations, Cases Adjourned Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai appeared before two separate courts in Kaduna on Wednesday over allegations bordering on corruption, abuse of office, and money laundering, with both matters adjourned for further proceedings.

At the Federal High Court, El-Rufai was arraigned alongside his former Special Adviser, Jimi Lawal, and five corporate entities on an amended 11-count charge. Prosecutors alleged various offences connected to abuse of office and financial impropriety during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State. According to court documents, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against him, while Lawal also entered not-guilty pleas to the counts filed against him. One of the companies named in the case, Singularity Network Security Limited, was arraigned on several of the counts contained in the amended charge.During proceedings before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari, defence counsel informed the court that separate bail applications had been filed on behalf of El-Rufai and Lawal. Lawyers for both sides subsequently presented arguments regarding the requests for bail.After hearing submissions from the prosecution and defence teams, Justice Buhari adjourned the matter until July 1, 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail applications. Reports indicated that journalists were denied access to the courtroom, although sources familiar with the proceedings said both parties vigorously argued their positions before the judge reserved judgment.On the same day, El-Rufai also appeared before the Kaduna State High Court in a separate case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The case involves allegations of abuse of office and money laundering allegedly committed during his administration as governor. Following proceedings in the state court, Justice Darius Khobo adjourned the case until June 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing. The former governor has consistently denied all allegations levelled against him and has maintained that he will contest the charges in court.The legal proceedings mark the latest chapter in a series of corruption-related cases involving the former governor since leaving office in 2023. Anti-corruption agencies have accused him of financial misconduct and abuse of public office, allegations that El-Rufai has repeatedly rejected as politically motivated.With rulings and hearings scheduled in the coming days, attention will remain focused on the Kaduna courts as prosecutors seek to advance their cases and the defence prepares to challenge the allegations against the former governor.