The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has moved to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna over a series of alleged corruption offences involving billions of naira.
The arraignment, scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, marks a major step in a high-profile investigation into the activities of the former governor while in office. The case is expected to draw national attention, given El-Rufai’s political influence and long-standing presence in Nigeria’s public life.
According to the ICPC, El-Rufai has been in custody since mid-February after he was transferred from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the anti-corruption commission for further investigation.
The commission disclosed that the former governor will be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in a case filed at the Federal High Court, Kaduna. In addition, a separate case involving El-Rufai and Ahmadu Sule has been filed before the Kaduna State High Court.
Details of the Charges
Court documents show that El-Rufai is facing a 10-count charge covering a wide range of alleged offences, including abuse of office, money laundering, diversion of public funds, and illegal contract awards.
One of the key allegations is that he approved and received about N289.8 million as severance benefits after leaving office, far above the legal entitlement estimated at around N20 million. The ICPC described this as a clear abuse of office.
The former governor is also accused of receiving funds from questionable sources, including foreign currency payments allegedly linked to unlawful activities. Investigators claim these transactions may amount to money laundering under Nigerian law.
Another major accusation involves the alleged diversion of more than $1 million from a World Bank loan meant for development projects. The ICPC said the funds were used in ways that did not follow agreed terms, raising concerns about breach of trust.
In one of the most significant claims, the commission alleged that El-Rufai approved an N11 billion light rail project awarded to a company identified as Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Ltd. The ICPC said the company was not properly registered and that the project was never carried out.
The charges also include alleged violations of procurement laws in the award of a N4.61 billion CCTV contract to Singularity Network Security Ltd. The commission further accused El-Rufai of granting undue advantage to the same company in another contract valued at $22.475 million.
Land-related allegations also feature prominently in the case. The ICPC claimed that El-Rufai conspired with associates, including Ahmadu Sule, to acquire land along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway using false information. He is also accused of unlawfully revoking a land title belonging to one Mohammed Umar Karage and reallocating it to associates.
Another serious allegation is that the former governor attempted to obstruct justice by offering financial inducements to investigators both within Nigeria and abroad, including in cities such as Dubai and Cairo.
The ICPC, through its spokesperson, John Odey, confirmed that the charges were filed on March 18, 2026, and that El-Rufai has been formally served. The commission said the case involves alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as financial crimes at the federal level.
The arraignment comes after weeks of detention that sparked criticism from some political figures and civil society organisations. Critics had questioned why El-Rufai was held for an extended period before being formally charged in court.
His legal team has also raised concerns, describing reports about the case as “leaks” and arguing that due process must be followed. They have insisted that their client is entitled to a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence.
So far, El-Rufai has not publicly entered a plea, but he is expected to do so when proceedings begin at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and was a key figure in Nigerian politics even before then. He previously held positions in the federal government, including as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
During his time as governor, he introduced several reforms, especially in areas such as education, urban development, and public service restructuring. However, his administration also faced criticism over issues relating to governance style, public spending, and handling of state resources.
The current charges appear to stem from decisions and financial transactions carried out during his tenure. Analysts say the case highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria to hold former public officials accountable.
The ICPC is one of the main agencies responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offences in Nigeria. Alongside the EFCC, it plays a central role in the country’s anti-corruption framework.
If the case proceeds to full trial, prosecutors will need to present evidence to support each of the charges, while the defense will have the opportunity to challenge the claims and present its own case.
For now, attention remains focused on the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where the proceedings are set to begin. The outcome of the case could have significant political and legal implications, not only for El-Rufai but also for the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria.