Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has withdrawn three applications filed in his ongoing alleged corruption trial before the Kaduna State High Court.
At the resumed hearing, El-Rufai’s new lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), apologised to the court over the nature of the earlier applications, describing them as unnecessarily confrontational.
He told the court that after reviewing the filings, he could not adopt some of the language used and requested permission to withdraw the applications and file a fresh one.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the defence was attempting to delay the commencement of the trial through repeated interlocutory applications, including previous requests for the trial judge to recuse himself.
Counsel to the prosecution, Ibrahim Muktar, maintained that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the hearing and urged the court to prevent further delays.
Related Posts:
Justice Darius Khobo granted the request to withdraw the three applications and adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, for the hearing of the fresh application filed by the defence.
The Federal Government is prosecuting El-Rufai on allegations of corruption, which he has denied. The substantive trial has yet to commence due to pending preliminary applications.
