Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday morning under heavy security for his arraignment over alleged corruption-related offences.
El-Rufai was brought to the court premises around 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle and remained inside for over 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom at about 9:34 a.m.
He was dressed in a light green babanriga with a matching cap and flanked by operatives from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), who formed a tight protective cordon around him.
Journalists who had arrived as early as 7:00 a.m. to cover the proceedings were barred from entering the courtroom by DSS operatives. Security had been heightened around the court, located at the old Nigerian Defence Academy, with personnel from the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed from the early hours.
Vehicular movement in the area was restricted, forcing motorists into a single lane along the Ungwan Sarki through Kawo axis, causing traffic congestion.
The arraignment follows an announcement by the ICPC that El-Rufai would face charges alongside Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, which include conversion and possession of public property and money laundering.
In addition, a separate case has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, with charges including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The ICPC stated both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, and the date for the state court arraignment will be communicated later.
The ICPC also reiterated that El-Rufai had been duly served and emphasized its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
El-Rufai’s arraignment comes amid mounting public pressure. The African Democratic Congress had demanded either his release or formal arraignment, describing prolonged detention without charges as unconstitutional. The Muslim Rights Concern and family members have also raised concerns about alleged rights violations during his detention.
DDM reported that El-Rufai was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, granted bail on February 18, and later re-arrested by the ICPC, remaining in custody pending his arraignment.
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