The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
The arraignment took place on Monday before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court 5, following an amendment to the original charge by the prosecution.
Counsel to the Commission, Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, informed the court that the initial joint charge involving El-Rufai and co-defendant Amadu Sule had been severed. The decision, he said, was necessitated by the continued absence of Sule, who was reported to be unavailable due to a medical condition.
The court granted the application for amendment, allowing the prosecution to proceed with El-Rufai’s arraignment independently.
The amended charges allege violations under multiple statutes, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, the Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law 2017.
El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all nine counts when they were read in open court.
Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial and to make orders ensuring the defendant’s attendance throughout the proceedings.
Defence counsel, however, notified the court of a pending application and requested bail on liberal terms.
After hearing both parties, the court adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application. It further ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the ICPC pending the decision.
