Security was tightened on Tuesday around the Federal High Court in Kaduna ahead of the arraignment of former governor Nasir El‑Rufai over alleged corruption-related offences.
Heavily armed operatives from the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to strategic locations around the court premises at the old Nigerian Defence Academy.
Vehicular movement was restricted, forcing motorists into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo, leading to early morning traffic disruptions.
The security buildup followed an announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that El-Rufai would be arraigned on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday by the commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the agency disclosed that the former governor would be arraigned alongside Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
According to the ICPC, the charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property as well as money laundering.
The commission also revealed a separate case filed before a Kaduna State High Court involving El-Rufai and Amadu Sule, with counts bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The anti-graft agency noted that both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that the date for arraignment in the state court would be announced later. It maintained that El-Rufai had been duly served and reiterated its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
The development comes amid growing pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which demanded either the immediate release or arraignment of the former governor.
More Details later…
