By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Wednesday appeared before two separate courts in Kaduna in cases involving allegations of abuse of office, corruption and money laundering. Both matters were adjourned for further proceedings.
At the Kaduna State High Court, El-Rufai appeared before Justice Darius Khobo in a case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The case relates to allegations of abuse of office and money laundering during his tenure as governor.
Following the hearing, Justice Khobo adjourned the matter until June 29, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.In a separate case before the Federal High Court, El-Rufai, his former Special Adviser, Jimi Lawal, and five companies were arraigned on an amended 11-count charge.
El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to Count One, while Lawal pleaded not guilty to Counts Six, Seven and Eight. One of the corporate defendants, Singularity Network Security Limited, entered pleas on the remaining counts filed against it.The prosecution alleged that the defendants were involved in offences relating to abuse of office and financial misconduct. The defendants have denied the allegations.
Defence counsel informed Justice Hauwa’u Buhari that separate bail applications had been filed for El-Rufai and Lawal. After hearing submissions from both parties, the court adjourned the case until July 1, 2026, for a ruling on the bail applications.The allegations remain before the courts, and no findings of guilt have been made against any of the defendants.
