The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned further proceedings in the alleged financial misconduct case involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai until December 8, 2026, while the prosecution has opposed a bail application filed by his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal.

The proceedings took place on Wednesday before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari. The substantive case was adjourned after newly appearing counsel sought additional time to familiarise themselves with the case and prepare for the next stage of proceedings.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), through prosecution counsel Ibrahim Mukhtar, also confirmed that it had filed a counter-affidavit opposing Lawal’s bail application. The prosecution’s response had not yet been formally argued before the court.

Lawal’s defence team had asked the court to grant him bail on medical grounds, arguing that his health condition required urgent attention. The application is scheduled for hearing on Friday, October 16, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the parties’ arguments.

Counsel representing El-Rufai also supported the request for an adjournment, explaining that the defence team was newly appearing in the matter and needed time to take over the case from the previous legal representatives. The court subsequently fixed December 8 for further proceedings in the substantive case.

The Federal High Court matter concerns allegations of financial misconduct involving El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, and other defendants. The prosecution has said the charges involve about seven counts. The allegations remain before the court and have not been established by a final judgment in this case.

The adjournment comes amid separate legal proceedings involving El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court. The cases are distinct, and developments in one should not be confused with those in the other. El-Rufai and the other defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until their guilt is established by a competent court.