By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has provided an update on the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, revealing fresh developments in separate proceedings before the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the anti-corruption agency disclosed that the cases arose from a protracted investigation into El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, over allegations bordering on abuse of office, fraud and money laundering.
According to the Commission, El-Rufai was arrested on or about February 18, 2026, following the conclusion of investigations into the allegations.
The ICPC subsequently filed a 10-count charge against the former governor and a co-defendant, Joel Adoga, before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna.
The charges include alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption as well as money laundering offences contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and other relevant laws.
The prosecution specifically alleged that El-Rufai received ₦289,826,998.12 as severance allowance between 2020 and 2023, an amount the Commission said significantly exceeded his lawful entitlement of ₦20,013,245.
The ICPC further alleged that the former governor received $797,900 from various individuals into his domiciliary account with Guaranty Trust Bank, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
In addition, the Commission claimed that El-Rufai conspired with Adoga to disguise the origin of $10,000 in July 2019.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In a parallel case, the Commission arraigned El-Rufai before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court on April 13, 2026, on an amended nine-count charge bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud and conferment of undue advantage.
The charges were filed under provisions of the ICPC Act, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, the Kaduna State Penal Code and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law.
At Tuesday’s proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court, Justice Khobo informed the court that the ruling on the defendant’s bail application was not ready, citing the inability to complete the writing of the decision. The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 21, 2026, for delivery of the ruling.
The court also ordered that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the ICPC pending the determination of the bail application.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court ruled that one of the sureties must be a resident of Kaduna State with a property valued at ₦200 million and a verified Certificate of Occupancy, while the second surety must be a respected elder certified by an elders’ council.
Other conditions include the surrender of the defendant’s international passport to the court registrar and an undertaking not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.
The court further directed that El-Rufai must report to the ICPC headquarters every first Monday of the month and reside at a specified address. Should he wish to change his residence, he must notify the court at least 72 hours in advance.
The court also ordered that the former governor remain in the custody of the Commission pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
Justice Aikawa also adopted the administrative bail earlier granted to the second defendant, Adoga.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law, assuring the public that the prosecution of the case is being conducted diligently and in accordance with established legal procedures.
The Commission added that it would continue to keep the public informed of significant developments as proceedings progress in both courts.
