Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, arrives at the State High Court for the continuation of his trial on March 31, 2026.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before a state high court over multiple corruption-related allegation.
The case comes barely three days after the former governor buried his late mother, who passed away in Egypt.
The former governor is being charged for alleged abuse of office, fraud and intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage while in office.
The charges stem from investigations into alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.
ICPC arrested El-Rufai on February 18, 2026. After 34 days in their custody, he was arraigned on March 24, 2026 at the Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside a co-defendant Joel Adoga.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, arrives at the State High Court for the continuation of his trial on March 31, 2026.
During the Court proceeding, El-Rufai’s legal team led by Barrister Ubong Akpan reminded the court of their client’s petition against the judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa which is pending before the National Judicial Council.
Justice Aikawa ruled he would at least conduct the arraignment of the two defendants, and hear the matter of his recusal based on a formal application. The court later adjourned proceedings to March 31st, 2026 for hearing of the bail application and any other application filed on behalf of El-Rufai and his co- defendant, Joel Adoga.
The case has attracted public attention following the ICPC’s controversial release of El-Rufai from custody on compassionate grounds to enable him attend his mother’s burial, despite a subsisting court remand order.