The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to arraign former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The charges, filed on March 18, include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. El-Rufai will be arraigned alongside Joel Adoga, the commission said.
In a separate case, the ICPC has instituted proceedings against El-Rufai at a Kaduna State High Court over allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and intent to confer undue advantage. The date for this arraignment will be communicated in due course.
“Another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA), has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division,” the ICPC statement read. “The charges in the State High Court case range from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to confer undue advantage, among others. Both charges were filed by the ICPC on March 18, 2026. The date of arraignment in the State High Court will be communicated at the appropriate time as determined by the Court. The ICPC wishes to inform the public that Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i has been duly served. The ICPC restates its commitment to adhering fully to due process and the rule of law at all times.”
El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in February. On March 5, a magistrate court approved a 14-day extension of his remand, prolonging his detention beyond the initial order.
The situation has sparked mounting pressure on the commission, with calls from opposition figures demanding that he either be formally charged or released.
In response, El-Rufai filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging both the legality of a search carried out at his residence by the ICPC and the February 19 remand order. The suit names the ICPC, the magistrate who authorized the remand, the inspector-general of police, and the attorney-general of the federation as respondents.
