by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Federal High Court in Kaduna, on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, barred journalists from entering the courtroom when the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged financial misconduct, resumed.
Our correspondent reported that, El-Rufai arrived at the court premises under tight security escort for the ongoing case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC is prosecuting the former governor on charges of abuse of office, financial impropriety and fraud allegedly committed during his tenure. El-Rufai has denied all allegations, while the Commission says it has evidence to support the charges.
Wednesday’s hearing was scheduled for the continuation of the substantive matter after the case was adjourned to 24 June 2026. The adjournment followed the absence of two co-defendants at the previous sitting. The co-defendants were expected to be present for the continuation of proceedings.
For the second time, journalists were prevented from covering proceedings inside the courtroom, using stern-looking security operatives, without any official reasons given for the restriction as at press time.
On 14 April, 2026, Presiding Judge Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N200 million. The conditions included two sureties: one serving or retired civil servant not below Grade Level 15, and one recognized traditional ruler.
El-Rufai’s lawyers later applied to the court for variation of the bail terms. The court declined the request, leaving the original conditions in place.
The trial continues as the court expects full attendance from all defendants to address the substantive charges. Details later.