KADUNA, Nigeria — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on Monday, April 13, 2026, arraigned former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
The arraignment took place before Justice Darius Khobo after the prosecution amended the original charge to proceed separately against Mr El-Rufai, following the absence of his co-defendant, Amadu Sule.
Prosecuting counsel, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, informed the court that the joint charge had been amended due to Mr Sule’s continued absence, reportedly on medical grounds.
The court granted the application, allowing the prosecution to proceed with Mr El-Rufai’s arraignment independently.
Mr El-Rufai was subsequently docked on nine amended counts alleging violations under multiple statutes, 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.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial and to make orders ensuring the defendant’s attendance.
Defence counsel, however, informed the court of a pending application and sought bail on liberal terms.
After hearing both sides, Justice Khobo adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and ordered that Mr El-Rufai remain in the custody of the ICPC pending that decision.
