The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Monday 13 April 2026 arraigned former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court on a nine-count charge.
The charges against the former governor involve alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
The arraignment took place before Justice Darius Khobo at the High Court, Kaduna, following a strategic amendment of the initial charge by the prosecution counsel, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.
The prosecution separated the joint charge earlier filed against el-Rufai and his co-defendant, Amadu Sule, citing the latter’s continued absence from court due to a reported medical condition.
The court granted the application, allowing proceedings to continue against El-Rufai alone.
The ex-governor was subsequently docked on nine amended counts alleging violations under multiple laws, including the Corrupt Practices and other related offences Act, the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act, as well as Kaduna State’s Penal Code and Public Procurement Law.
When the charges were read, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial and ensure measures to compel the defendant’s attendance throughout proceedings.
In response, the defence counsel informed the court of a pending application and sought bail on liberal terms.
After entertaining arguments from the relevant parties, the court adjourned till today for ruling on the bail application.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, told journalists that the court proceedings were largely centred on the fresh charges, which necessitated further review by the defence team before a substantive hearing could proceed.
According to him, a bail application was moved and taken by the court, while the matter was adjourned for ruling.
Akpan added that the defence would need time to study the amended charges before proceeding further, noting that “the charges are new” and require proper examination.
The case has been adjourned till today for ruling on the bail application.
El-Rufai is also facing a separate 10-count charge before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, involving alleged abuse of office, money laundering and fraud said to involve N579.6 million and $1.1 million.
