The El-Rufai corruption case has taken a new turn after his defence team withdrew three applications before the Kaduna State High Court, according to proceedings from the court on Wednesday.
El-Rufai’s new lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), told Justice Darius Khobo that he reviewed the earlier applications and decided to submit a fresh application.
The lawyer said he could not continue with some of the arguments and wording in the previous documents. He described the applications as “combative in nature” and apologised to the court.
Erokoro asked the court for more time to prepare the new filing. Justice Khobo granted the request and fixed July 22, 2026, for the next hearing.
El-Rufai Corruption Case: Defence Team Changes Legal Approach
Erokoro said he reviewed the previous filings after he took over as lead counsel and decided to present a new application.
The defence team told the court that the fresh filing would reflect its current position in the case.
Justice Khobo allowed the defence to complete the application before the next hearing.
Prosecution Criticises Defence Applications In Kaduna Trial
Prosecution counsel Ibrahim Muktar criticised the defence team’s decision to withdraw the applications.
He told journalists after the proceedings that the defence had filed several applications that slowed the trial.
Muktar said the prosecution had prepared to present its case but could not proceed because of the pending applications.
He said the defence also filed applications asking the judge to step aside from the case.
“Charge has been filed, prosecution is ready, defence is bringing multiple applications and that is what is destroying the time, frustrating the prosecution from commencing the trial,” he said.
The Kaduna State High Court will hear the new application on July 22, 2026.
