El-Rufai Arrives Court for Alleged Financial Crimes Trial

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was present at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday as his trial over alleged financial crimes resumed.

The former governor arrived at the court complex under tight security as legal proceedings in the case continued. The matter is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which accused him of offences linked to his time in office.

The case includes allegations relating to financial misconduct, abuse of office and fraud. There are also claims connected to the alleged surveillance of a former National Security Adviser. El-Rufai has consistently denied all accusations brought against him, while the anti-corruption agency maintains that it has evidence to support its charges.

The matter had earlier been postponed to June 24 after two co-defendants failed to appear before the court during a previous sitting.

In April 2026, the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N200 million. The court also directed that he provide two sureties as part of the bail requirements. One of the sureties was required to be a serving or retired civil servant on Grade Level 15, while the second had to be a recognised traditional ruler.

Following the ruling, El-Rufai’s legal team approached the court seeking a review of the bail conditions. However, the application was rejected, leaving the original conditions in place.

As proceedings resumed on Wednesday, attention was also focused on the attendance of the two co-defendants whose absence had previously delayed the case. Their presence was expected to allow the court to proceed with hearing the substantive issues before it.

The trial remains one of the closely watched legal cases involving a former state governor, with further developments expected as the court continues its examination of the charges and arguments from both sides.