The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, before the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering, in a statement made available to The News Chronicle.
The arraignment, held on Monday before Justice Darius Khobo, followed an amendment of the original charge by the prosecution, which separated the case earlier filed jointly against El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Amadu Sule.
The prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, told the court the amendment became necessary due to the continued absence of the second defendant, who was reportedly unavailable on medical grounds. The court granted the application, allowing El-Rufai’s trial to proceed independently.
El-Rufai was subsequently re-arraigned on nine amended counts under provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, as well as relevant Kaduna State laws on criminal conduct and public procurement.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecution counsel urged the court to fix a date for trial and ensure the defendant’s continued attendance throughout proceedings, while defence counsel moved for bail on liberal terms, citing a pending application.
After hearing both sides, the court adjourned ruling on the bail application to Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending determination.
