The Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, presided by Justice Hauwa’u Buhari, on Wednesday, adjourned proceedings to July 1, keeping former Governor Nasir El-Rufai Kaduna State in detention for the period.

El-Rufai pleaded not guilty at the proceedings before the adjournment as he was arraigned alongside ex-Special Adviser Jimi Lawal and five corporate entities. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, filed an 11-count amended charge bordering on alleged financial fraud against them.

El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to Count 1, while Lawal pleaded not guilty to Counts 6, 7, and 8. Corporate firm Singularity Network Security Limited was arraigned on Counts 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11. Counsel for El-Rufai and the second defendant told the court that pending bail applications had been filed for their clients.

After arguments on the bail applications, presiding judge Justice Hauwa’u Buhari adjourned ruling to July 1. The court said it needed time to consider the submissions before deciding on terms for the defendants’ release pending trial.

In a separate case the same day, El-Rufai appeared before the Kaduna State High Court for continuation of hearing on charges of alleged abuse of office and money laundering also filed by the ICPC. Presiding judge Justice Darius Khobo adjourned that matter to June 29, 2026, for further proceedings.

Both cases are expected to resume next week, with the Federal High Court set to rule on bail before the state court reconvenes. The proceedings are being closely watched as they involve allegations tied to El-Rufai’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.