El-Rufai’s lawyer withdraws three applications in Kaduna corruption case
Former Kaduna State Governor Withdraws Applications in Corruption Case
Kaduna, Nigeria — Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has withdrawn three applications in his ongoing corruption trial after a change in legal representation. During a hearing on Wednesday, El-Rufai’s new attorney, Paul Erokoro, SAN, addressed the Kaduna State High Court, seeking permission to retract the previous submissions and presenting a new application.
Erokoro, who recently assumed responsibility for the case, acknowledged that the earlier applications were overly confrontational. He apologized to the court, stating that the previous filings contained “combative” language that he could not endorse.
After reviewing the prior documents, Erokoro opted to prepare a fresh application and requested additional time for its completion.
Following the hearing, prosecution attorney Ibrahim Muktar expressed criticism of the defense’s strategy. He indicated that the continued submission of new applications is obstructing the trial’s progress. Muktar noted that additional requests for the judge’s recusal had also been filed since the last court session.
“This approach delays the process,” Muktar remarked. “While we are prepared to proceed with the trial, the defense’s multiple applications undermine efficiency.”
The court granted the defense additional time and adjourned the case until July 22, 2026, for further proceedings.
