By Deborah Nnamdi
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has announced plans to arraign former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Tuesday over alleged corruption-related offences.
In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, John Okor Odey, the commission disclosed that the charges, filed on March 18, border on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. El-Rufai is expected to be arraigned alongside Joel Adoga.
The anti-graft agency further revealed that a separate charge has also been filed against the former governor before a Kaduna State High Court, accusing him of abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to confer undue advantage. According to the statement, the date for the state high court arraignment will be communicated in due course.
“Similarly, another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA), has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division,” the statement read in part.
“The charges in the State High Court case range from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, among others. Both charges were filed by the ICPC on March 18, 2026.
“The date of arraignment in the State High Court will be communicated at the appropriate time as determined by the court.
“The ICPC wishes to inform the public that Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i has been duly served. The commission restates its commitment to adhering fully to due process and the rule of law at all times.”
Following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in February, the former governor has remained in ICPC custody. On March 5, a magistrate court approved a 14-day extension of his remand, prolonging his detention beyond the initial order.
The development has sparked mounting pressure on the commission, particularly from opposition figures, who have urged authorities to either formally charge him or release him.
In response, El-Rufai filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of the search conducted at his residence by the ICPC and the remand order issued on February 19.
The suit lists the ICPC, the magistrate who authorised the remand, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
