The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally opposed the bail application filed by Jimi Lawal, former senior adviser to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The prosecution’s stance was confirmed during proceedings on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
Speaking to journalists following the session, ICPC Prosecution Counsel Ibrahim Mukhtar stated that the Commission had filed a counter-affidavit against Lawal’s release on bail.
”We have already filed a counter-affidavit to it. So, we are opposing the application,” Mukhtar noted.
He added that while the counter-affidavit had been submitted, the prosecution requested additional time to examine a further affidavit filed by the defence in response on Wednesday morning. Mukhtar also highlighted that the substantive trial has not yet officially commenced and no witnesses have been called to the stand so far.
Defence Counsel Okon (representing Jimi Lawal) urged the court to grant his client bail primarily on medical grounds, asserting that Lawal’s health condition requires proper attention and that “only a living person can stand trial.” The defence further contended that the prosecution could not reasonably oppose bail given that Lawal had previously been granted administrative bail by the commission.
Representing former Governor El-Rufai, Mustapha Abubakar (SAN) explained that new legal representation had stepped in for both sides. He confirmed that the defence team agreed to the brief adjournment to allow the ICPC prosecution time to review the newly served court processes in the interest of a fair hearing.
Justice Hauwa’u Buhari adjourned the hearing on Jimi Lawal’s bail application until Friday, October 16, 2026.
The court also fixed December 8, 2026, for the official commencement of the substantive trial. Both co-defendants were escorted out of the courtroom under heavy security, remaining in custody pending the court’s upcoming ruling on the bail application.
