The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has provided an update on the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who faces separate charges in the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court, Kaduna. The cases stem from a detailed investigation into his administration from 2015 to 2023, involving allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering. El-Rufai was arrested by the ICPC on or about February 18, 2026, following which the Commission concluded its probe and filed formal charges against him and a co-defendant.
In the Federal High Court proceedings before Honourable Justice Rilwan Aikawa, El-Rufai and Mr. Joel Adoga were charged with a 10-count indictment related to the alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The prosecution claims that El-Rufai received ₦289,826,998.12 as severance allowance—far exceeding his lawful entitlement of ₦20,013,245—between 2020 and 2023. He is also accused of receiving $797,900 in his domiciliary account at Guaranty Trust Bank from various individuals, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
The charges further allege that El-Rufai conspired with Mr. Joel Adoga to disguise the origin of $10,000 in July 2019. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the allegations. The ICPC maintains that the prosecution is being handled diligently in line with due process and the rule of law, assuring the public of transparency as the matter progresses through the courts.
Meanwhile, at the Kaduna State High Court, El-Rufai was arraigned on an amended 9-count charge on April 13, 2026, bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferment of undue advantage. These offences are said to contravene the ICPC Act, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, the Kaduna State Penal Code, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Honourable Justice Darius Khobo informed the court that the ruling on the bail application was not ready due to the inability to conclude writing the decision. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, April 21, 2026, for the delivery of the ruling, with the court ordering that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody in the interim.
In a parallel development at the Federal High Court, Kaduna, El-Rufai was granted conditional bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum. One surety must be a Kaduna resident owning property worth ₦200 million with a verified Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), while the second must be a well-respected elder certified by the elders council. Additional conditions include depositing his international passport with the court registrar, signing an undertaking not to interfere with prosecution witnesses, reporting to the ICPC headquarters every first Monday of the month, and residing in a specific approved location. Any change of residence requires 72 hours’ prior notice to the court.
The Federal High Court further ordered that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the ICPC until all bail conditions are fully satisfied. The court also adopted the administrative bail previously granted to the second defendant, Mr. Joel Adoga. These stringent conditions reflect the court’s balancing of the defendant’s rights with the need to ensure he does not abscond or interfere with the judicial process.
The ICPC has reiterated its unwavering commitment to due process, the rule of law, and diligent prosecution of the case. The Commission assures Nigerians that it will continue to provide regular updates on significant developments in both the Kaduna State High Court and Federal High Court proceedings as the trial of the former governor advances.
