The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced that former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, will be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, over alleged corruption-related offences.
The commission disclosed in a statement on Monday by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, that El-Rufai and one Joel Adoga would be arraigned in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026. “The charges range from conversion and possession of public property to money laundering,” Odey said.
ICPC also revealed that a separate case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, has been filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule (LEDA) at a Kaduna State High Court.
According to the anti-graft agency, the charges in the state court case include abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. “The date of arraignment in the State High Court will be communicated at the appropriate time as determined by the Court,” the statement added.
The announcement follows mounting calls from various stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for the former governor’s immediate release or arraignment, describing his continued detention without formal charges as a violation of constitutional rights. Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern condemned the prolonged detention.
Members of El-Rufai’s family have also appealed for his prompt arraignment, expressing concern over what they described as “unnecessary and prolonged detention.”
El-Rufai was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, granted bail two days later, but was immediately re-arrested by ICPC. He has remained in ICPC custody since then, amid several calls for due process.
Odey reiterated ICPC’s commitment to the rule of law, stating, “Malam Nasir El-Rufai has been duly served, and the commission remains steadfast in upholding due process in all its proceedings.”
