Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has appeared before the Federal High Court in Kaduna for the continuation of proceedings in his ongoing corruption trial.
The former governor arrived at the court under the escort of officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
El-Rufai is facing allegations of abuse of office, fraud and financial misconduct linked to his time as governor of Kaduna State. Prosecutors allege that public funds were improperly released for projects that were either not executed or were irregularly managed.
The former governor has denied all the allegations and insists he is innocent of the charges.
At today’s hearing, the court was expected to continue considering motions and legal arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams as the trial progresses.
The case has attracted significant public attention following conflicting decisions on El-Rufai’s bail applications.
Two months ago, the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, granted him bail in the sum of ₦200 million. The conditions required two sureties, including a serving or retired civil servant on Grade Level 15 and a recognised traditional ruler.
However, El-Rufai’s legal team subsequently sought a variation of the bail conditions.
In a separate development, a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo had repeatedly declined to grant him bail, citing concerns that his influence could interfere with ongoing investigations into the corruption allegations.
The ICPC maintains that the charges relate to the alleged misuse of public funds, while the defence argues that the former governor is being wrongfully prosecuted.
The trial is expected to continue with further submissions from both parties in the coming weeks.
