The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, over alleged corruption-related offences.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission disclosed that El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in a suit marked FHC/KD/73/2026 at the Kaduna Judicial Division of the Federal High Court.
According to the ICPC, the charges against the former governor include conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division,” the statement read.
The anti-graft agency also revealed that a separate case has been instituted against El-Rufai and another individual, Amadu Sule, before a Kaduna State High Court.
The case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, contains charges ranging from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage. The ICPC noted that the date for arraignment in the state court would be communicated in due course.
The planned arraignment follows weeks of mounting pressure from political stakeholders and civil society groups over El-Rufai’s continued detention without formal charges.
The African Democratic Congress had earlier called for either his immediate release or arraignment, describing his prolonged detention as a violation of constitutional rights.
Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) condemned the development, while members of El-Rufai’s family also demanded that he be brought before a competent court.
El-Rufai was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, and granted bail two days later. However, he was immediately rearrested by the ICPC and has remained in its custody since then.
The commission stated that the former governor has been duly served with the charges and reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
With the arraignment scheduled for Tuesday, legal proceedings are expected to formally begin, potentially marking a significant development in one of the most high-profile corruption cases involving a former state governor in recent times.
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