Judge’s Illness Delays El-Rufai Bail Ruling

According to Ireporter Online, proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna were stalled on Wednesday after the presiding judge reportedly fell ill, preventing the court from sitting and delaying ruling on the bail applications filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal.

The case, instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), had been scheduled for ruling following the adoption of arguments from both the prosecution and defence counsel. Justice Hauwa’u Buhari had fixed Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for the decision.

However, court activities could not proceed as planned due to the judge’s sudden illness, with a court source confirming the development. A new date for the ruling is expected to be communicated to all parties involved.

The delay comes just two days after the Kaduna State High Court rejected El-Rufai’s bail application in a separate ICPC-related matter, with Justice Diruis Khobo ruling that the request lacked merit, while directing that the former governor be granted access to his medical team or a facility of his choice within Nigeria.

At the Federal High Court, El-Rufai is standing trial alongside Lawal and five companies on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial impropriety, and money laundering. He has, however, consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that his actions while in office were lawful and carried out in the public interest.

The matter is expected to resume once a new date is fixed.