The arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was stalled on Wednesday, following his absence in court, with the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdumalik, adjourning proceedings to April 23, 2026. The defence subsequently applied for the bail application to be taken before further proceedings in the matter. He maintained that the defence did not take the defendant into custody and therefore could not produce him in court. Citing Section 156 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015), the judge described the bail application as premature. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 23, 2026, for arraignment.

Source: Punch February 25, 2026 16:09 UTC