Heavy security presence marked proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as former Governor Nasir El-Rufai appeared for arraignment over allegations of corruption and misappropriation of over N432 billion in state funds during his eight years in office.
Several armed security operatives were deployed to the court premises, while the entire Aliyu Akilu Road leading to the NDA bus stop was cordoned off. Vehicular movement in the area was restricted, with traffic diverted to alternative routes to ease congestion around the court complex.
El-Rufai, who arrived at about 9:20 a.m. under tight security, was dressed in a green babanriga. He was swiftly escorted into the courtroom as journalists were barred from gaining access to cover the proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in an earlier statement, confirmed that El-Rufai and one Joel Adoga would be arraigned before the Federal High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
According to the Commission, the suit, marked FHC/KD/73/2026, contains charges ranging from conversion and possession of public property to alleged money laundering.
The anti-graft agency also disclosed that a separate charge had been filed before a Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule (LEDA).
The case, with charge number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, borders on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage, among other offences.
The Commission noted that both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that the date for arraignment at the State High Court would be communicated in due course.
It further confirmed that the former governor had been duly served, reiterating its commitment to due process and strict adherence to the rule of law in prosecuting the cases.
