By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday for his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
El-Rufai is set to face charges of alleged corruption and abuse of office, with the ICPC accusing him of financial misconduct during his tenure. He is being arraigned alongside Joel Adoga under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, which includes allegations of conversion and possession of public property and money laundering.
Ahead of the proceedings, security around the court and across Kaduna city was significantly heightened, with armed personnel stationed at key entry points as supporters and onlookers gathered outside. Journalists were barred from entering the courtroom.
In a separate development, the ICPC has also filed a case against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule at the Kaduna State High Court under case number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26. That suit contains allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
According to the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Okor Odey, both cases were instituted on March 18, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce accountability and combat corruption. While the Federal High Court arraignment is underway, the hearing date for the State High Court case is yet to be announced. The ICPC confirmed that El-Rufai has been formally served with the charges.
