The Federal High Court sitting in the state capital on Wednesday again barred journalist from the courtroom in the ongoing trial of former governor of the state, Nasir El’Rufai.
El-Rufai had arrived at the court premises under security escort for the ongoing trial involving alleged financial misconduct brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The case, which includes allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud during his tenure as governor, was previously adjourned to June 24, 2026, after two co-defendants failed to appear in court. El-Rufai has denied the allegations, while the ICPC says it has evidence supporting the charges.
On April 14, 2026, the presiding judge of the court, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, granted the former Governor bail in the sum of N200 million, with conditions including two sureties – one being a serving or retired civil servant at Grade Level 15, and the other a recognised traditional ruler.
His lawyers later applied to the court for the variation of the bail conditions, which was turned down by the court. At Wednesday’s court proceedings, the two co-defendants were expected to be present for the continuation of the hearing on the substantive matter.
(Ripples)