Former Governor of Kaduna State l, Nasir El-Rufai, ,who was arraigned over alleged corruption-related offences, Tuesday morning, arrived the Federal High Court Kaduna under tight security
He was brought to the court premises at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle and remained inside for over 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom at approximately 9:34 a.m.
Dressed in a light green babanriga with a matching cap, he was heavily guarded as operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Department of State Services formed a protective cordon around him into the courtroom.
Security had earlier been intensified around the court premises located at the old Nigerian Defence Academy, with heavily armed personnel deployed from the early hours of the day.
The security team comprised operatives of the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, the Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
movement in the area was restricted, forcing motorists into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo, leading to traffic disruptions.The development followed an earlier announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that it would arraign El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
In a statement by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission disclosed that El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.5, had been filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
It said the charges in the state case include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue j5
The development followed an earlier,nt Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that it would arraign El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
“Similarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,” the agency added.
The ICPC stated that both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that the date for arraignment in the state court would be communicated later. It also maintained that El-Rufai had been duly served, reaffirming its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
The arraignment follows mounting pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which had demanded either his release or arraignment, describing his continued detention without formal charges as unconstitutional.
In the same vein, the Muslim Rights Concern had criticised his prolonged detention, while members of his family raised concerns over alleged rights violations.
