The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna after 38 days in detention over alleged corruption-related offences.
El-Rufai was brought before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge involving alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
The court adjourned the case to March 31, 2026, to hear pending applications, including a bail request.
Speaking after the proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Akpan, said the charges largely relate to deposits into his client’s domiciliary account and issues surrounding the monetisation of his earnings.
“Out of the 10 counts, he was directly linked to only one,” Akpan said.
He also revealed that the defence raised objections to the arraignment due to an existing matter involving the presiding judge, but the court went ahead with the proceedings.
According to him, no bail application was filed during the sitting, as the day’s proceedings were focused on the arraignment. The bail request is expected to be heard at the next court date.
Meanwhile, the ICPC legal team declined to comment after the session.
Supporters and family members of the former governor showed up at the court in solidarity. His son, Bello El-Rufai, described him as the “father of modern Kaduna,” expressing confidence in the judicial process.
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Some supporters also dismissed the charges as politically motivated, insisting that he would be cleared.
Security was tight around the court premises, with operatives of various agencies deployed and access restricted. Journalists were not allowed into the courtroom.
The case comes after weeks of controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s detention, which began with his arrest before being re-arrested by another agency.
The matter is expected to continue on March 31, as the court considers all pending applications.
