Once again, the court banned journalists as the ICPC continued its lawsuit alleging financial fraud against former Governor El’Rufai

The Federal High Court held in the state capital on Wednesday again barred journalists from entering the courtroom in the ongoing trial of the state’s former governor, Nasir El’Rufai.

El-Rufai had arrived at the courthouse under security escort for an ongoing hearing involving alleged financial offenses filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

The trial, which includes allegations of abuse of office, financial fraud and fraud during his tenure as governor, was previously postponed until June 24 2026 after two other defendants failed to appear in court. El-Rufai denied the allegations, while the ICPC stated it had evidence to support the allegations.

On April 14, 2026, the presiding judge of the court, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, granted the former Governor bail of N200 million, with conditions including two sureties – one being a serving or retired civil servant at Grade Grade 15, and the other being a recognized traditional ruler.

His lawyer then applied to the court to change his bail conditions, but was rejected by the court. At Wednesday’s hearing, the two defendants are expected to be present to continue the substantive material trial.