The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has opposed an application seeking bail for Jimi Lawal, a co-defendant in the alleged financial misconduct case involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court in Kaduna adjourned the bail hearing on Wednesday until Friday, October 16. The substantive case was fixed for December 8.
According to PUNCH, Lawal’s lawyers sought his release on medical grounds and referred to administrative bail previously granted by the commission.
Prosecution counsel Ibrahim Mukhtar confirmed that ICPC had filed a counter-affidavit but declined to discuss its grounds before presenting arguments in court.
The prosecution requested time to examine a further affidavit submitted by the defence. Counsel representing El-Rufai also supported an adjournment to allow the newly appearing legal team to take over the brief.
The prosecution said the trial had yet to begin and no witnesses had testified. The allegations remain undetermined, and both defendants are presumed innocent.
Friday’s proceedings are expected to address Lawal’s bail request ahead of the substantive hearing in December.
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