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 in Kaduna after he spent 38 days in detention over alleged corruption-related offences.
The former governor was brought before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge. The charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. The court did not immediately take arguments on all pending matters but fixed March 31, 2026, to hear applications, including a request for bail.
El-Rufai’s arraignment marks a major development in a case that has drawn national attention in recent weeks. His detention, legal battles, and re-arrest have sparked debate across the country about the fight against corruption and the use of state institutions in prosecuting public officials.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Akpan, explained that the charges against his client mainly relate to financial transactions involving a domiciliary account and the monetisation of earnings.
According to him, the defence raised objections to the arraignment because of a pending matter involving the presiding judge. Despite the objection, the court decided to proceed.
Akpan said, “Out of 10 counts, they joined him on only one,” suggesting that the case may not be as broad as initially presented.
He also clarified that no bail application was heard during Tuesday’s proceedings. According to him, the issue of bail would be addressed on the next adjourned date.
“It cannot be made for bail today because the application was made for arraignment today. It was adjourned to the 31st of this month to hear the application for bail,” he said.
The defence further stated that it was not aware of other pending charges against the former governor until official documents were served. Meanwhile, members of the ICPC legal team declined to comment when approached by journalists.
The case against El-Rufai did not begin with Tuesday’s arraignment. It follows a series of events involving multiple anti-corruption agencies.
The former governor was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, over allegations of financial misconduct. He was later granted bail but was subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC, deepening the controversy surrounding his case.
The ICPC, another key anti-corruption body in Nigeria, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offences, especially those involving public officials. Its actions in this case highlight ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to address corruption in public office.
In a statement issued earlier, the ICPC said El-Rufai was arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in a case marked FHC/KD/73/2026. It added that another charge had been filed against him and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court. These additional charges reportedly involve allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The commission stated that all charges were filed on March 18, 2026, and that the defendant was properly served in line with legal procedures.
Security was tight around the Federal High Court, located within the old Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, ahead of the arraignment.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police units, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to maintain order. The presence of heavily armed security personnel reflected concerns about possible unrest, given the high-profile nature of the case.
Vehicular movement along the Ungwan Sarki–Kawo axis was restricted, forcing motorists to use a single lane and causing traffic delays in the area.
El-Rufai arrived at the court premises at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the vehicle for over 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom under tight security at approximately 9:34 a.m.
Journalists were not allowed into the courtroom, as security operatives limited access to only essential court officials and legal representatives.
Outside the court, supporters of the former governor gathered in large numbers. They chanted slogans and expressed confidence that he would be cleared of all charges.
Among those present was his son, Bello El-Rufai, who is a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North.
Speaking to journalists, Bello described his father as the “father of modern Kaduna,” pointing to infrastructure projects carried out during his time as governor.
“I’m here in solidarity as his son and as a representative of the people. Malam El-Rufai, to us, is the father of modern Kaduna. We believe in the judicial process and the rule of law,” he said.
The show of support highlights the political and public interest surrounding the case, especially in Kaduna State where El-Rufai served for eight years as governor.
El-Rufai’s trial comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of corruption in public office. Over the years, successive governments have promised to strengthen institutions and ensure accountability among public officials.
Cases involving former governors and senior political figures often attract attention because they test the independence of the judiciary and the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies.
At the same time, the case raises questions about due process, especially concerning the sequence of arrest, bail, and re-arrest by different agencies.
With the case now formally before the court, attention will turn to March 31, when the judge is expected to hear all pending applications, including El-Rufai’s bail request.
The proceedings on that day will likely determine whether the former governor will continue to remain in custody or be released pending the trial.