The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has provided an update on the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, revealing developments across parallel proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the Commission said the cases stem from a long-running investigation into El-Rufai’s tenure between 2015 and 2023, involving allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering.
According to the ICPC, El-Rufai was arrested on February 18, 2026, following which a 10-count charge was filed against him and a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna. The charges include alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The Commission alleged that El-Rufai received ₦289.8 million as severance allowance—far exceeding his lawful entitlement of ₦20 million—between 2020 and 2023. He is also accused of receiving $797,900 into his domiciliary account from individuals, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities. Additionally, he allegedly conspired with Adoga to conceal the origin of $10,000 in July 2019.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
In a separate proceeding, the ICPC arraigned El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court on April 13, 2026, on an amended nine-count charge bordering on abuse of office, fraud, and related offences under various laws, including the ICPC Act and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law.
At Tuesday’s sitting, Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court adjourned ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application until April 21, 2026, citing the need to complete the written decision. The court ordered that the defendant remain in ICPC custody pending the ruling.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum. One surety must be a Kaduna resident with a property valued at ₦200 million and a valid Certificate of Occupancy, while the other must be a respected elder endorsed by an elders’ council.
The court also directed El-Rufai to surrender his international passport, refrain from interfering with witnesses, report to the ICPC headquarters every first Monday of the month, and reside at a designated address, with prior notice required for any change of residence.
The court further ordered that he remain in custody until the bail conditions are met. The administrative bail earlier granted to the second defendant, Joel Adoga, was also upheld.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to due process and assured the public that prosecution of the case is being conducted diligently and in accordance with the law.
