Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has been arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on an amended 11-count criminal charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial impropriety, money laundering, and corruption. The former governor appeared before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, alongside his former Special Adviser, Mr. Jimi Lawal, and five corporate entities, marking the latest chapter in a high-profile legal battle that has gripped the nation's attention.
At the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Hauwa’u Buhari, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to Count One of the charge, while Lawal entered not guilty pleas to Counts Six, Seven, and Eight. One of the corporate defendants, Singularity Network Security Limited, was arraigned on Counts Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine, Ten, and Eleven. The prosecution listed El-Rufai, Lawal, and the five corporate entities as defendants in the matter, alleging various offences connected with abuse of office and financial impropriety. The ICPC's investigation allegedly uncovered irregularities in the management of public funds and the award of government contracts during El-Rufai's tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.
During the proceedings, counsel to El-Rufai and Lawal informed the court that separate bail applications had been filed on behalf of their clients. Following arguments by both the prosecution and the defence on the bail applications, Justice Buhari adjourned the matter until July 1, 2026, for ruling on the applications. Although journalists were denied access to the courtroom, sources familiar with the proceedings disclosed that both parties vigorously argued their positions before the court reserved its decision. A source at the court said, "The prosecution and defence presented their arguments, particularly on the bail applications, after which the court fixed July 1 for ruling". El-Rufai arrived at the Federal High Court under heavy security as proceedings resumed in the high-profile case.
In a related development, El-Rufai also appeared before a Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo in a separate case also instituted by the ICPC. That case involves allegations of abuse of office and money laundering allegedly committed during El-Rufai's administration. Following the hearing, Justice Khobo adjourned the matter until June 29, 2026, for continuation of proceedings. The former governor is facing multiple legal battles, with charges filed at both the federal and state levels. Reports indicate that El-Rufai is also facing allegations of wiretapping the National Security Adviser, brought by the ICPC.
The ICPC's case against El-Rufai stems from allegations of the diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering. The anti-graft agency has accused him of approving and releasing public funds for projects that were either not executed or were allegedly handled outside due process. The commission maintains that the charges against the defendants are supported by evidence gathered during its investigations and has expressed readiness to prosecute the case to its logical conclusion. El-Rufai and the other defendants have denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The former governor was previously granted bail by Justice Rilwan Aikawa on April 14, 2026, in the sum of N200 million, with conditions including two sureties – one being a serving or retired civil servant at Grade Level 15, and the other a recognised traditional ruler. His lawyers later applied to the court for the variation of the bail conditions, which was turned down by the court. The trial, which has seen several adjournments, continues as the court expects full attendance from all defendants to address the substantive charges. The case has drawn significant public and media attention, with journalists barred from covering proceedings inside the courtroom for the second time without official reasons given for the restriction.
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