Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is facing mounting legal battles as a Kaduna court has adjourned proceedings to 1st April 2026 in his ongoing corruption trial, while he has also withdrawn a separate ₦1 billion rights suit in Abuja.
El-Rufai was rearraigned on Tuesday by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage during his time in office from 2015 to 2023.
The anti-corruption agency filed a fresh 10-count charge, intensifying its case against the former governor.
At the latest hearing in Kaduna, the court adjourned the matter to consider his bail application and other motions filed by his legal team.
During proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyers also raised concerns about the trial judge, noting that a petition had been submitted to the National Judicial Council, seeking further review of the case.
The case has drawn national attention, coming just days after El-Rufai returned from the burial of his mother.
He had earlier been granted temporary release from custody on compassionate grounds to attend the funeral.
In a related development, the former governor has withdrawn a ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit he filed against an Abuja magistrate and security agencies.
The suit had challenged his arrest, detention, and the search of his residence, which he described as unlawful.
El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court is expected to rule on his bail request at the next hearing.
The developments mark a critical phase in the high-profile case, which continues to test Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and judicial process.
