The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
The arraignment took place on Monday before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court 5, following an amendment to the original charge by the Commission’s prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.
According to a statement by ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the amendment separated the joint charge initially filed against El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Amadu Sule. The decision was necessitated by the absence of Sule, who was reported to be unavailable in court due to a medical condition.
The court granted the application for amendment, allowing the prosecution to proceed independently against the former governor.
El-Rufai was subsequently docked on nine amended charges alleging violations of multiple laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, the Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law 2017.
Upon the reading of the charges, the former governor pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Prosecution counsel urged the court to fix a date for trial and ensure the defendant’s presence throughout the proceedings. In response, defence counsel informed the court of a pending application and sought bail on liberal terms.
After hearing both parties, the court adjourned proceedings to April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and ordered that El-Rufai be remanded in the custody of the ICPC pending the determination of his bail.
The case is expected to draw significant public and legal attention as proceedings continue.
