The Federal High Court in Kaduna on Monday adjourned the corruption trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai to June 24, 2026.
The adjournment followed the absence of two of his co-defendants in court.
Trial Adjourned Over Missing Co-Defendants
Justice A.M. Liman adjourned the matter after the two defendants failed to appear for the scheduled hearing. The court had earlier fixed the date for continuation of proceedings in the case involving allegations of corruption during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.
The former governor is facing trial alongside some of his aides and associates over alleged financial misconduct while in office. The case has been ongoing for some time, with several adjournments recorded in the past.
During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution was ready to continue with the matter, but the absence of the two defendants forced the court to push the case to a later date.
Background of the Case
El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna State Governor from 2015 to 2023, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges bordering on alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.
The case has attracted significant public attention, given El-Rufai’s profile as a former minister and one of the leading voices in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) before his recent political moves.
His supporters have repeatedly described the charges as politically motivated, while the prosecution maintains that it has a strong case backed by documentary evidence.
What Next in the Case?
With the matter now adjourned to June 24, all parties are expected to be present in court for the continuation of the trial. Legal observers say further delays could occur if the absent defendants fail to appear again.
The case remains one of the high-profile trials involving former governors currently before the courts. Many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the matter progresses, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai has maintained his innocence since the charges were filed and has described the trial as an attempt to distract him from national political engagements.
