The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has filed a 10-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ahead of his planned arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Findings by Kano Times revealed exclusive details of the charges, which border on alleged abuse of office, money laundering, diversion of public funds, and obstruction of justice.
The ICPC, in a statement on Monday by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, said El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
Odey stated, “The charges range from conversion and possession of public property to money laundering.”
The anti-graft agency also disclosed that a separate case marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26 had been filed against the former governor and one Amadu Sule at a Kaduna State High Court.
Exclusive: Breakdown of Charges Against El-Rufai
According to documents obtained by Kano Times, the charges include:
1. Excessive Severance Payment (Abuse of Office)
El-Rufai was accused of approving and receiving ₦289.8 million as severance benefits, far above the lawful entitlement estimated at about ₦20 million.
2. Money Laundering
He allegedly received funds he was not entitled to, including suspicious financial inflows linked to unlawful sources.
3. Receipt of Foreign Currency from Questionable Sources
The ICPC alleged that the former governor received foreign currency traced to individuals and entities connected with illicit activities.
4. Diversion of World Bank Funds (Criminal Breach of Trust)
More than $1 million from a World Bank loan was allegedly diverted and misused in violation of agreed terms.
5. Irregular Award of ₦11bn Light Rail Contract
He was accused of approving funds for a light rail project awarded to Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Ltd, a firm allegedly not properly registered, for a project that was never executed.
6. Procurement Breach – CCTV Contract (₦4.61bn)
El-Rufai allegedly approved a CCTV contract to Singularity Network Security Ltd in violation of Kaduna State procurement laws.
7. Undue Advantage in $22.475m Contract
He was further accused of using his office to confer improper benefit on the same company through another contract valued at $22.475 million.
8. Land Fraud and False Representation
The ICPC alleged that he conspired with an associate, Ahmadu Sule, and companies to submit false information to acquire land along the Kaduna–Zaria Expressway.
9. Unlawful Revocation and Reallocation of Land
He was accused of revoking a valid Certificate of Occupancy belonging to one Mohammed Umar Karage and reallocating the land to associates.
10. Attempt to Obstruct Justice (Conspiracy)
El-Rufai was alleged to have conspired to offer financial inducements within and outside Nigeria, including in Dubai and Cairo, to influence investigators probing the Singularity contracts.
Background
The former governor was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, and granted bail two days later before being re-arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
He has since remained in ICPC custody amid growing calls from stakeholders for adherence to due process.
Odey reiterated the commission’s stance, saying, “Malam Nasir El-Rufai has been duly served, and the commission remains steadfast in upholding due process in all its proceedings.”
