Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday for his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai is set to face charges relating to alleged corruption and abuse of office during his tenure. The ICPC filed the charges accusing him of financial misconduct, including the conversion and possession of public property and money laundering.
Ahead of the arraignment, security in Kaduna city and around the court was significantly heightened, with armed personnel stationed at key access points to maintain order as supporters and onlookers gathered outside the premises. Journalists, however, were barred from entering the courtroom.
El-Rufai is being arraigned alongside Joel Adoga before the Federal High Court under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, according to a statement by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Okor Odey.
In a related case, the ICPC has also filed charges against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule at the Kaduna State High Court (KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26), alleging abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. Both cases were instituted on March 18, 2026, as part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote accountability and combat corruption.
While the Federal High Court arraignment marks the first formal step in what could become a high-profile legal battle, the hearing date for the State High Court case has not yet been announced. The ICPC confirmed that El-Rufai has been duly served with the charges in both matters.
