The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
El-Rufai was arraigned on Monday before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court 5 following an amendment to the original charge by the prosecution.
The commission’s counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, had earlier separated the joint charge filed against El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Amadu Sule, due to the latter’s absence in court on health grounds.
The court granted the application, allowing the prosecution to proceed with El-Rufai’s arraignment independently.
The charges, according to the commission, involve alleged violations of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, and Kaduna State Public Procurement Law 2017.
The former governor pleaded not guilty to all nine charges.
Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial and 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.
Justice Khobo adjourned the case to April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and ordered that El-Rufai be remanded in the custody of the ICPC pending the determination of the application.
