Independent Corrupt Practices Commission has arraigned former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before a state high court over multiple allegations bordering on corruption, abuse of office, and financial misconduct.
The former governor was brought before the court following an investigation into alleged irregularities said to have occurred during his administration between 2015 and 2023.
The charges include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage while serving as governor.
The arraignment came just days after El-Rufai buried his late mother, who died in Egypt, an event that drew sympathy and high-profile attendance from leading political figures across Nigeria.
According to the anti-corruption agency, El-Rufai was arrested on February 18, 2026, and remained in custody for 34 days before being formally arraigned on March 24, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside a co-defendant, Joel Adoga.
During the proceedings, his legal team, led by Barrister Ubong Akpan, informed the court that a petition had already been filed against the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, before the National Judicial Council, requesting that he step aside from the matter.
Despite the objection, Justice Aikawa ruled that the court would proceed with the arraignment while considering any formal application seeking his recusal. He subsequently adjourned the matter to March 31, 2026, for hearing of bail applications and other pending motions filed by both defendants.
The case has generated significant public attention, particularly following the commission’s controversial decision to temporarily release El-Rufai from custody on compassionate grounds to enable him attend his mother’s funeral, despite an existing court remand order.
The funeral attracted an unusual convergence of political figures across party lines. Among those who sent condolences or participated were Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several governors, including Uba Sani.
Also present were senior opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Peter Obi, as well as former ministers including Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola.
In a fresh development, El-Rufai was again presented before a Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday, this time alongside another co-defendant, Amadu Sule, over similar allegations involving abuse of office, fraud, and unlawful conferment of advantage.
The commission is expected to continue proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where arguments on his bail application may also be taken.
