Eshioromeh Sebastian
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, before a State High Court sitting in Kaduna, following an amendment to the original charge that separated his case from that of an absent co-defendant.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State for eight years, was brought before Honourable Justice Darius Khobo of Court 5 on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The dramatic turn in proceedings came when the ICPC’s prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, applied for an amendment to the joint charge earlier filed against El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Amadu Sule.
Dr. Akponimisingha informed the court that the amendment had become necessary due to the continued absence of the second defendant, Amadu Sule, who was reportedly unable to attend court proceedings owing to a medical condition. Rather than delay the former governor’s trial indefinitely, the Commission sought and obtained the court’s permission to sever the joint charge.
Justice Khobo granted the application, allowing the prosecution to arraign Mallam El-Rufai independently of his co-defendant.
Following the court’s ruling, the amended nine-count charge was read to the former governor. The alleged infractions span multiple legal instruments, including 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.
Upon hearing each count, El-Rufai, dressed in a dark suit and speaking calmly, responded: “Not guilty, my Lord.”
With the arraignment concluded, the prosecution counsel urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and to make appropriate orders to secure the defendant’s attendance throughout the proceedings.
However, the defence counsel informed the court of a pending bail application and prayed that his client be granted bail on liberal terms.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Khobo adjourned the case for ruling on the bail application. The court fixed Tuesday, 14th April 2026, for the ruling.
In a significant procedural ruling, the judge ordered that Mallam El-Rufai remain in the custody of the ICPC pending the determination of the bail application. He was subsequently led away by operatives of the anti-graft agency.
Efforts to reach the co-defendant, Amadu Sule, or his legal representatives for comment on his medical condition and expected date of appearance were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, the ICPC has assured the public of a thorough and impartial prosecution. In a statement signed by the Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the Commission reiterated its commitment to fighting corruption without fear or favour.
“The amendment and separation of the charge underscore the Commission’s resolve to ensure that justice is not delayed by the absence of any defendant,” the statement read in part.
El-Rufai, who left office in 2023 after two terms as governor, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. His legal team is expected to present arguments for his release from ICPC custody ahead of Tuesday’s bail ruling.
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