KADUNA – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has concluded plans to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, before both Federal and State High Courts in Kaduna.
According to a statement released on Monday by John Okor Odey, the ICPC Head of Media and Public Communications, the former governor will first appear at the Federal High Court, Kaduna Judicial Division, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
In the federal suit (FHC/KD/73/2026), El-Rufai is being charged alongside one Joel Adoga. The counts against the duo include the illegal conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
This legal move follows weeks of high-profile drama surrounding the former governor’s detention. El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 19, 2026, after being transferred from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His legal team and several political groups, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had recently increased pressure on the anti-graft agency, demanding either his immediate release or a formal arraignment, citing a violation of his fundamental rights.
Beyond the federal case, the ICPC has also filed a separate criminal charge (KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26) against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule at the Kaduna State High Court. The state-level charges border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantages. While the federal arraignment is set for Tuesday, the commission noted that the State High Court would communicate a specific date for the second trial in due course.
The commission confirmed that El-Rufai has been duly served with the charge sheets. The trials represent the culmination of a year-long investigation into the alleged diversion of public funds during his eight-year tenure as governor. In 2024, a Kaduna State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee had indicted the former governor’s administration over the alleged diversion of N423 billion, recommending further probe by anti-corruption agencies.
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The ICPC reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and due process as it proceeds with the prosecution. Security is expected to be tightened around the court premises in Kaduna tomorrow as the high-profile proceedings commence.