Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was brought before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday morning under heavy security for his long-awaited arraignment over alleged corruption offences.
He arrived at the court premises around 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle and stayed inside briefly before being escorted into the courtroom at about 9:34 a.m. Security operatives maintained a tight watch around him as he made his way in.
El-Rufai appeared in a light green babanriga with a matching cap. Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Department of State Services formed a protective shield around him. The presence of armed personnel created a tense atmosphere within the court complex.
Access to the courtroom was strictly controlled. Journalists who had gathered as early as 7:00 a.m. were denied entry by DSS operatives. This restriction further heightened concerns over transparency in the proceedings.
Security was visibly reinforced across the area. Personnel from the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, the Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed in large numbers. Movement around the court, located near the old Nigerian Defence Academy, was heavily monitored.
Vehicular movement was also affected. Traffic was reduced to a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo, causing delays for commuters and creating congestion in surrounding areas.
The arraignment followed an earlier announcement by the ICPC confirming that El-Rufai would be charged before the Federal High Court. The case, filed under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, also involves one Joel Adoga.
According to the commission, the charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The charges range from conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering,” the statement read.
The commission also disclosed a separate case involving El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court. That matter includes allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
“Similarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,” the agency added.
The ICPC confirmed that both charges were filed on March 18, 2026. It stated that El-Rufai had been properly served and assured the public of its commitment to due process. The date for the state court arraignment is yet to be announced.
The development comes after weeks of pressure from political and civil society groups. The African Democratic Congress had earlier called for his immediate release or formal arraignment, describing his continued detention without charges as unconstitutional. The Muslim Rights Concern also raised concerns over the length of his detention, while members of his family alleged violations of his rights.
POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that El-Rufai was first detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026. He was granted bail two days later but was subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC. He remained in custody until his court appearance.
Further details on the proceedings are expected as the case unfolds.
