By Ebute Mathew, Kaduna
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday arraigned former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna over alleged corruption-related offences.
El-Rufai was brought before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa and docked on a multi-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency.
Counsel to the former governor, Ubong Akpan, told journalists after the proceedings that the charges largely relate to alleged deposits into his domiciliary account and the monetisation of his earnings.
“Out of 10 counts, they joined him on only one,” Akpan said, noting that the defence had raised objections to the arraignment on the grounds of a pending matter involving the presiding judge.
Despite the objection, Justice Aikawa proceeded with the arraignment and adjourned the case to March 31, 2026, for the hearing of pending applications, including a bail request.
Akpan explained that no bail application was moved during Tuesday’s sitting.
“It could not be taken today because the matter was for arraignment. The case has been adjourned to March 31 to hear the bail application,” he said.
The ICPC legal team declined to comment after the session.
Earlier, the Commission had disclosed plans to arraign El-Rufai alongside Joel Adoga in a case marked FHC/KD/73/2026, involving allegations of conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
The anti-corruption agency also revealed a separate case before a Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and another defendant, Amadu Sule (LEDA), bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
According to the Commission, both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, and the defendants have been duly served.
It added that a date for arraignment at the State High Court will be communicated in due course, reiterating its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
