Adedokun Waliyu 
A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned its ruling on the bail applications filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, until July 1, 2026, in an alleged corruption case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling was deferred on Wednesday by Justice Hauwa’u Buhari after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and defence teams.
El-Rufai, Lawal, and five corporate entities were arraigned before the court on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial impropriety, and money laundering.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to Count One of the charge, while Lawal entered not guilty pleas to Counts Six, Seven, and Eight.
One of the corporate defendants, Singularity Network Security Limited, was arraigned on Counts Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, 10, and 11.
The defence informed the court that applications seeking bail for the defendants were pending.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Buhari adjourned the matter for ruling on the applications.
The former governor arrived at the Federal High Court under heavy security as proceedings resumed in the high-profile case.
Earlier on the same day, El-Rufai appeared before a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo in a separate case also instituted by the ICPC.
The state court case involves allegations of abuse of office and money laundering allegedly committed during El-Rufai’s administration between 2015 and 2023.
Following the hearing, Justice Khobo adjourned the matter until June 29, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
According to the ICPC, investigations uncovered alleged irregularities in the management of public funds and the award of government contracts during the period under review.
However, El-Rufai and the other defendants have denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
