By George Ozalla
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 allegations of fraud, money laundering, and unlawful possession of public funds.
El-Rufai was docked alongside a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, on multiple counts filed by the anti-graft agency. The charges, according to court filings, border on conversion of public property, money laundering, and related financial offences.
At the proceedings, both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial judge subsequently adjourned the matter for further hearing, with arguments around bail and other preliminary applications expected to follow.
The arraignment comes after weeks of controversy surrounding his detention, which drew reactions from political actors and civil society groups who demanded that he be formally charged or released.
El-Rufai’s legal troubles began in mid-February 2026 when he honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure between 2015 and 2023. He was taken into custody on February 16 and held for two days before being granted bail on February 18.
Shortly after regaining freedom, he was re-arrested and transferred into the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he remained as investigations intensified.
The commission subsequently secured a remand order from a magistrate court in Abuja to detain him for an initial period to conclude its probe. The order was later extended as investigators examined financial records and other materials linked to the allegations.
On March 18, 2026, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) filed formal charges against him at both the Federal High Court and a Kaduna State High Court, setting the stage for Tuesday’s arraignment.
While the Federal High Court charge centres on alleged money laundering and unlawful possession of funds, a separate case before the state high court includes allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
Security was tightened around the court premises during the proceedings, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case and the political standing of the defendant.
El-Rufai, served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and has denied all the allegations of corrupt practices.
