The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before a state high court over several corruption-related allegations.
The development comes just three days after the former governor laid his late mother to rest in Egypt.
El-Rufai is facing charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage during his time in office.
The allegations arose from investigations into suspected financial misconduct during his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.
The ICPC had arrested El-Rufai on February 18, 2026, and after spending 34 days in custody, he was first arraigned on March 24, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside a co-defendant, Joel Adoga.
During the court session, his legal team, led by Barrister Ubong Akpan, informed the court of a pending petition against the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, before the National Judicial Council.
Justice Aikawa stated that he would proceed with the arraignment of both defendants and later consider the issue of his recusal upon a formal application. The matter was subsequently adjourned to March 31, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and other motions filed by the defence.
The case has drawn widespread attention, particularly following the ICPC’s decision to release El-Rufai temporarily on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s burial despite an existing court remand order.
Following the bereavement, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain received condolence messages from several prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and APC National Chairman, among others.
More than 10 governors, including Senator Uba Sani, as well as key political figures such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Labour Party’s former presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former ministers including Abubakar Malami, Isa Pantami, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, also paid their respects.
On Tuesday, El-Rufai was again arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court alongside another defendant, Amadu Sule, over similar allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The commission is expected to subsequently present him before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where his bail application is scheduled to be heard.