Dare Babalola
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday showed up at the Kaduna State High Court for his arraignment in an ongoing case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
His court appearance comes shortly after he was allowed to travel out of detention on compassionate grounds to bury his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt. The anti-corruption agency had approved the temporary release on March 27 to enable him attend the funeral rites.
El-Rufai had earlier spent more than a month in custody before being brought before Justice Rilwan Aikawa last week, where he faced a 10-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and unlawful possession of public assets, alongside money laundering claims. At that sitting, the court adjourned proceedings to March 31, 2026, to consider pending motions, including his application for bail.
Meanwhile, a funeral prayer held on Sunday at the Central Mosque in Abuja drew several high-profile figures. Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
A video circulating online showed the former governor arriving at the court premises in a white pickup vehicle amid tight security. He was seen dressed in a light-blue agbada, complemented by a matching cap and a patterned inner outfit, as security personnel escorted him across the court compound.
In the current proceedings, El-Rufai is being tried alongside Amadu Sule on multiple counts, including alleged abuse of office, fraud-related offences, and granting undue advantage. After the arraignment at the state court, the ICPC is expected to transfer him to the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where his bail request will be addressed.
The former governor has, however, maintained his innocence, rejecting all allegations brought against him.
