Nasir el-Rufai
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday under heavy security for his arraignment over alleged corruption-related offences.
El-Rufai was brought to the court premises around 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle and remained inside for some time before being escorted into the courtroom at about 9:34 a.m. Dressed in traditional attire, he was surrounded by a strong security presence as operatives ensured controlled movement within the court environment.
Security was significantly tightened around the venue, located within the old Nigerian Defence Academy area, with personnel from multiple agencies deployed. These included the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Mobile Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Journalists who arrived early to cover the proceedings were denied access to the courtroom by security operatives, while vehicular movement around the area was restricted, causing traffic congestion along major routes including Ungwan Sarki and Kawo.
The ICPC had earlier announced that El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in a case marked FHC/KD/73/2026. The charges against them include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
In addition, the anti-corruption agency disclosed that a separate case has been filed against El-Rufai and another individual, Amadu Sule, before a Kaduna State High Court. These charges include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
According to the ICPC, both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, and the former governor had been duly served in line with legal procedures. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
El-Rufai’s arraignment follows weeks of legal and public scrutiny. He was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in February, granted bail shortly after, and later re-arrested by the ICPC, where he remained in custody pending formal charges.
The case has drawn reactions from various stakeholders, including political groups and civil society organisations, who had called for either his release or arraignment, citing concerns over prolonged detention without trial.
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