The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned former Kaduna State Governor,...
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, before the Kaduna State High Court over an alleged nine-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud and money laundering.
El-Rufai was docked before Justice Darius Khobo of High Court 5 following an amendment to the original charge by the Commission’s prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha. The amendment separated the trial of the former governor from that of his co-defendant, Amadu Sule.
The prosecution explained that the adjustment became necessary due to the continued absence of Sule, who was said to be unavailable in court on medical grounds. The court subsequently granted the application, allowing the ICPC to proceed with El-Rufai’s arraignment independently.
According to the amended charge, the former governor is facing nine counts alleging violations under multiple laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, the Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law 2017.
When the charges were read, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial and make necessary orders to ensure his presence throughout the proceedings. However, defence counsel informed the court of a pending application and sought bail on liberal terms.
After hearing both parties, Justice Khobo adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in ICPC custody pending the decision.
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