The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna under tight security.
El-Rufai appeared in court to answer 10 counts of alleged corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office, ending a high-profile investigation into his financial dealings while in office.
Dressed in a light green babanriga and matching cap, El-Rufai arrived at the court premises, located at the old Nigerian Defence Academy, around 9:00 am in a Hilux vehicle.
El-Rufai was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, granted bail two days later, and later re-arrested by the ICPC, remaining in custody until this court appearance.
The 10-count charge sheet accuses El-Rufai of unlawfully taking large sums of money in naira and U.S. dollars during and after his time as governor.
Counts One and Two allege that in September 2020 and January 2023, El-Rufai received N289,826,998.12 as severance allowance—far above his rightful entitlement of N20,013,245.00, or 300 per cent of his annual basic salary.
The ICPC claims he knowingly received the money, which formed part of the proceeds of corruption, contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Counts Three to Nine focus on alleged deposits totalling $797,900 into El-Rufai’s domiciliary account at Guaranty Trust Bank from several individuals, including Joel Adoga, Peter Akagu Jones, Ajayi Ayodele, Umar Farouk, Umar Saleh, and Umar Farouk Saleh.
The ICPC said the former governor knew these funds came from unlawful acts, including corruption and fraud.
Count Ten accuses El-Rufai and Joel Adoga of conspiring in July 2019 to disguise the source of $10,000, also violating the Money Laundering Act.
The ICPC confirmed in a statement by its Head of Media, John Odey, that another charge, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, has been filed against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule in the Kaduna State High Court.
The charges include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. Both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, though the arraignment date for the state case has not yet been announced.
The ICPC stressed that El-Rufai had been properly served and that all proceedings would follow due process and the rule of law.
