By Passman Akpos
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, 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 Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court 5, following an amendment to the initial charge filed by the Commission.
According to the ICPC’s prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, the charges were amended to separate El-Rufai’s case from that of his co-defendant, Amadu Sule. The decision was prompted by Sule’s absence in court, reportedly 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 and arraigned on nine amended counts, which include alleged violations of 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.Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to set a date for trial and to issue necessary orders to ensure the defendant’s presence throughout the proceedings. However, the defence counsel informed the court of a pending application and requested bail on liberal terms.
After hearing both sides, Justice Khobo adjourned the matter to Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application. The court also ordered that El-Rufai be remanded in ICPC custody pending the outcome of the bail hearing.
The development marks a significant step in the anti-corruption agency’s ongoing efforts to prosecute high-profile cases involving alleged financial crimes.
The statement was signed by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications at the ICPC.
