Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court for his formal arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
His court appearance comes after more than a month in detention and days after he was granted temporary release to attend his mother’s funeral. El-Rufai had earlier been arraigned last week before Justice Rilwan Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
The court had adjourned proceedings to March 31, 2026, to hear pending applications, including his request for bail.
Last Friday, the ICPC approved his temporary release on compassionate grounds, allowing him to travel for the burial of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai. The funeral prayers, held in Abuja, drew several high-profile figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Aminu Tambuwal.
A video circulating online showed El-Rufai arriving at the court premises under tight security. Dressed in a light-blue agbada and matching cap, he was escorted by security personnel and aides as he walked into the courtroom.
He is expected to be arraigned alongside Amadu Sule on multiple charges, including abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
After the proceedings, the anti-corruption agency is likely to move the case to the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where his bail application will be considered.
El-Rufai has, however, maintained his innocence, insisting that the allegations against him are unfounded.
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