A Federal High Court in Kaduna has fixed July 1, 2026, to rule on the bail applications filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, in an alleged corruption case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Justice Hauwa’u Buhari adjourned the matter on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams.
El-Rufai, Lawal and five corporate entities were arraigned on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial impropriety and money laundering.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to one of the charges, while Lawal denied the allegations contained in three separate counts.
One of the companies listed in the case, Singularity Network Security Limited, is facing multiple counts in the amended charge.
Defence counsel informed the court that applications seeking bail for the defendants had already been filed and were awaiting determination.
Following submissions from both parties, the court reserved its decision and fixed July 1 for ruling on the bail requests.
The former governor arrived at the court premises under heavy security as proceedings continued in the high-profile trial.
Earlier the same day, El-Rufai also appeared before a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo in a separate case filed by the ICPC.
That case involves allegations of abuse of office and money laundering linked to activities during his administration between 2015 and 2023. The defendants have denied all allegations, while the state court adjourned proceedings until June 29, 2026.