Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has left the Federal High Court in Kaduna after the court adjourned further proceedings in his case until December 8, 2026.
The adjournment followed a request by a newly assigned prosecution lawyer, who asked for more time to study the case and prepare for the next hearing.
Naija News reports that the presiding judge, Justice Hauwa Buhari, granted the request and fixed December 8 for the continuation of proceedings.
The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving El-Rufai over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
New Prosecutor Seeks More Time
At the latest hearing, the prosecution’s newly assigned lawyer requested additional time to familiarise himself with the case and prepare for the proceedings.
The request was granted by Justice Buhari, leading to the adjournment of the matter until December 8, 2026.
El-Rufai had also appeared in court on Wednesday in connection with a separate case involving the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor is facing legal scrutiny over allegations relating to the management of public funds during his administration. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
DSS Witness Makes $600,000 Allegation
At Tuesday’s hearing, a forensic investigator with the Department of State Services (DSS), Segun Kayode, told the court that El-Rufai and some of his alleged associates had purportedly set aside $600,000 to pay officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and certain middlemen.
Kayode, identified as the first prosecution witness, told the court that the alleged amount was divided into $500,000 and $100,000.
He further testified that forensic audio recordings captured conversations involving the former governor and some of his alleged associates.
According to the witness, the recordings concerned alleged efforts to undermine an EFCC investigation into a company identified as Singularity.
The testimony forms part of the prosecution’s case. The allegations have not, by themselves, established criminal liability, and any determination of guilt rests with the court.
What Happens Next in El-Rufai’s Case?
With the proceedings adjourned until December 8, 2026, the court is expected to resume hearing the matter on the scheduled date.
The additional time requested by the new prosecution lawyer is intended to allow him to review the case and prepare for the continuation of proceedings.
The case remains part of the wider legal challenges facing the former Kaduna governor over alleged financial misconduct and related claims.
Further developments will depend on the proceedings and evidence presented before the court.