The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has opposed the bail application filed by Jimi Lawal, a co-defendant in an alleged financial misconduct case involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the hearing of Lawal’s bail application until Friday, October 16, while the substantive case will resume on December 8.
ICPC prosecution counsel Ibrahim Mukhtar confirmed that the commission had filed a counter-affidavit opposing the application but declined to disclose its grounds, saying arguments had yet to be presented before the court.
Lawal’s lawyer had sought bail on medical grounds, arguing that his client’s health condition justified his release.
The defence also noted that Lawal had previously been granted administrative bail.
The prosecution requested more time to study a further affidavit filed by the defence in response to its counter-affidavit.
Counsel to El-Rufai, Mustapha Abubakar, said the defence agreed to the adjournment to allow the prosecution to review the documents in the interest of fair hearing.
Mukhtar said the charges against El-Rufai and Lawal comprised about seven counts bordering on alleged financial misconduct.
He added that the trial had yet to begin and no witnesses had been presented.
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