The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed two separate sets of criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, bringing him before both the Federal High Court and a Kaduna State High Court over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office.
In a statement on Monday by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the anti-graft agency disclosed that El-Rufai and one Joel Adoga are to be arraigned on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna Judicial Division in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
“The charges include conversion of and possession of public property, to money laundering,” the ICPC said.
In a parallel proceeding, the commission has also filed a separate charge, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, before a Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule (LEDA). The state case, which does not yet have a scheduled arraignment date, includes counts ranging from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.
“Both charges were filed by the ICPC on the 18th of March, 2026. The date of arraignment in the State High Court will be communicated at the appropriate time as determined by the Court,” the agency said.
The commission confirmed that El-Rufai had been duly served with the charges and reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
The planned arraignments come amid mounting pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), who had condemned the former governor’s prolonged detention without formal charges. Members of El-Rufai’s family had also called for his arraignment before a competent court.
El-Rufai was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16. He was granted bail on February 18 but was immediately rearrested by the ICPC, where he has remained in custody since.
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