ICPC Arraigns El-Rufai on Nine-Count Charge

ICPC Arraigns El-Rufai on Nine-Count Charge

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering before a Kaduna State High Court.

The arraignment took place before Justice Darius Khobo of High Court 5 following an amendment to the original charge by the Commission’s prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, which separated the case from that of his co-defendant, Amadu Sule.

The anti-graft agency said the amendment became necessary due to the absence of the second defendant, who was reportedly unable to appear in court on medical grounds.

With the court granting the application for amendment, the prosecution proceeded to arraign El-Rufai independently.

The former governor was subsequently docked on nine amended charges alleging violations of multiple laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, the Kaduna State Penal Code, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law.

Upon the reading of the charges, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial and make necessary orders to ensure his presence throughout the proceedings.

Counsel to the defendant, however, informed the court of a pending application and sought bail on liberal terms.

After hearing both parties, Justice Khobo adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application.

The court also ordered that El-Rufai be remanded in the custody of the ICPC pending the determination of his bail request.

The Commission, in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey, noted that the charges stem from alleged financial infractions linked to the defendant’s time in public office.