El-Rufai corruption trial set for June 1, 2026, for pre-trial motions
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has scheduled June 1, 2026, for the hearing of two pre-trial motions filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in a corruption case brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC. Justice Rilwanu Aikawa adjourned the matter after the former governor's counsel, Mustapha Abubakar SAN, indicated he was not ready to proceed immediately. El-Rufai faces allegations of financial misconduct, including the alleged release of billions of naira for unexecuted projects during his administration, which he denies. The court had previously, on April 14, granted El-Rufai bail for N200 million with two sureties. Bail conditions included one surety being a senior civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and the second a recognized elder in the state. The court also ordered the deposit of international passports and restricted El-Rufai from public comments on the case. On Thursday, Justice Aikawa denied a request to allow the first surety to provide a bank guarantee instead of a cash deposit but granted a variation allowing the second surety to be recognized by a district head instead of the Kaduna State Council of Elders. The defense also filed motions to strike out some documents attached to the charges. The anti-graft agency accuses El-Rufai of authorizing payments for projects allegedly not executed during his tenure.
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded the European Investment Bank EIB for its backing of the Omi Eko Project, an initiative aimed at transforming urban mobility and enhancing residents' quality of life. During a visit from an EIB delegation led by Vice President Ambroise Fayolle, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the project aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly its Transportation and Traffic Management pillar. The Omi Eko Project, meaning “Water of Lagos,” will establish modern and climate-resilient water transport infrastructure, including improved terminals, safer navigation channels, and enhanced commuter services. This is expected to significantly reduce travel times for residents. Governor Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the support from the African Development Bank and other development partners for the state's sustainable transportation network. He further welcomed the EIB’s investment in Nigeria’s small and medium-scale enterprise sector. Fayolle noted that Nigeria is projected to become the EIB’s largest country of operations in Africa in 2025, with total lending valued at €550 million. He highlighted a recent €200 million facility with the Development Bank of Nigeria for digital and green investments by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and a financing agreement with Wema Bank to improve access to finance for underserved businesses. Fayolle described the Omi Eko Project as a flagship European Union initiative in Lagos, fin
Must ReadThe All Progressives Congress APC achieved a dominant performance in recent by-elections, securing wins in Ondo, Nasarawa, Kano, and Kebbi states. The Peoples Democratic Party PDP maintained its hold on the Rivers South-East Senatorial District seat. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC announced the results, which strengthen the APC's legislative presence. However, some contests faced allegations of electoral irregularities, violence, and voter intimidation. In Nasarawa, APC candidate Danladi Halilu won the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat with 45,362 votes, defeating Labaran Maku of the Labour Party LP and Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP. Following the results, LP agents staged a walkout, and Maku, a former minister of Information, rejected the outcome, citing widespread irregularities and calling for the by-election's cancellation. He alleged non-adherence to electoral laws by INEC officials and issues with BVAS machine usage. The Nasarawa State APC Publicity Secretary, Augustine Ogaba, dismissed Maku's allegations, urging him to accept the electoral outcome. Rabiu Shuaibu of the APC secured a landslide victory in the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency by-election in Kano. In Enugu North Senatorial District, Ikeje Asogwa of the APC was declared the winner with 162,360 votes, though this election was reportedly marred by violence, technical hitches, and ballot-box snatching. Prof Francis Faduyile, the APC candidate, won the Ondo South Senatorial District by-e
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