The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) 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 Commission’s prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.
According to the ICPC, the amended charge separated El-Rufai’s case from that of his co-defendant, Amadu Sule, who was absent in court due to a reported medical condition.
The court granted the application for amendment, allowing the prosecution to proceed with El-Rufai’s arraignment independently.
The charges allege various infractions under 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 charges when they were read in court.
Following the plea, prosecution counsel urged the court to fix a date for trial and make necessary orders to ensure the defendant’s presence throughout the proceedings.
However, the defence counsel informed the court of a pending application and requested bail on liberal terms.
After hearing both parties, the court adjourned the matter to Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application.
Justice Khobo also ordered that El-Rufai be remanded in the custody of the ICPC pending the determination of his bail request.
