The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has opposed the bail application filed by Jimi Lawal, a co-defendant in the alleged financial misconduct case involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of Lawal’s bail application until October 16, 2026, while fixing December 8 for the commencement of the substantive trial.
Lawal’s counsel, Obong Okon, had urged the court to grant his client bail on medical grounds, arguing that his health condition required his release.
However, the ICPC prosecution said it had filed a counter-affidavit opposing the application.
Speaking with journalists after Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Ibrahim Mukhtar confirmed the commission’s position but declined to disclose the specific grounds for opposing the bail request.
“We have already filed a counter-affidavit to it. So, we are opposing the application,” Mukhtar said.
He explained that the prosecution had yet to formally present its arguments against the application before the court.
Lawal’s lawyer had also argued that the prosecution could not reasonably oppose the bail request after previously granting his client administrative bail.
Okon maintained that the medical evidence presented in support of the application justified Lawal’s release, stressing that his client’s health was a critical consideration in determining whether he should remain in custody.
Counsel to El-Rufai, Mustapha Abubakar, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the proceedings were also affected by the appearance of new lawyers for the prosecution and the former governor’s defence team.
According to him, the defence team representing El-Rufai supported the request for an adjournment to enable it to take over the case from the former counsel.
Abubakar added that the prosecution sought time to study a further affidavit filed in response to its counter-affidavit, which was served on the same day.
He said Lawal’s counsel agreed to the adjournment in the interest of fair hearing, although the bail application had already been moved.
The case involves allegations of financial misconduct against El-Rufai and Lawal. The prosecution said the charges comprise about seven counts.
However, the substantive trial has yet to begin, and no witnesses have been presented before the court.
Both defendants were brought to the court under heavy security on Wednesday.
The court is expected to hear Lawal’s bail application on October 16, while the substantive trial is scheduled to begin on December 8.
