ICPC Takes El-Rufai to Court over Alleged Financial Misconduct
By Chizoba Njaka
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, before the Kaduna State High Court 5, presided over by Honourable Justice Darius Khobo, on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
According to a statement by Mr. Okor Odey, the Commission's Head of Media and Public Communications, the arraignment was prompted by an amendment to the original charge, which became necessary due to the absence of El-Rufai's co-defendant, Amadu Sule, who is currently receiving medical attention. The court approved the prosecution's request to arraign El-Rufai separately.
The charges against El-Rufai allege various infractions under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017, and Kaduna State Public Procurement Law, 2017. El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all nine charges.
The prosecution has urged the court to fix a date for trial and ensure El-Rufai's attendance throughout the proceedings. The defence counsel has applied for bail on liberal terms, and the court has adjourned its ruling on the application to April 14, 2026. El-Rufai is currently in the custody of the ICPC.