By Anthony Otaru, Abuja
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday confirmed that it will arraign former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday over alleged fraud.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued by the commission’s spokesperson, John Okor Odey, who outlined the charges filed against the former governor.
According to the ICPC, the case filed on March 18 alleges unlawful conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
Odey stated that El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside Joel Adoga, who is also listed as a defendant.
He further revealed that the commission has filed a separate case at a Kaduna State High Court, accusing the former governor of abuse of office, fraud, and acts intended to secure undue advantage.
“Similarly, another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Malam Nasir el-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA), has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division,” the statement reads in part.
The spokesperson explained that both the federal and state cases were instituted on the same day as part of the commission’s ongoing prosecution process.
“The charges in the State High Court case range from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, among others. The ICPC filed both charges 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 ICPC wishes to inform the public that Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i has been duly served. The ICPC restates its commitment to adhering fully to due process and the rule of law at all times.”
El-Rufai has remained in the custody of the ICPC since his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in February.
On March 5, a magistrate’s court granted the commission a 14-day extension of his detention, extending an earlier remand order.
The continued detention has attracted criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who have called on authorities to either proceed swiftly with prosecution or release him.
In response, the former governor has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging both the ICPC’s search of his residence and the legality of the remand order issued on February 19.
The suit lists the ICPC, the magistrate who authorised the remand, the inspector-general of police, and the attorney-general of the federation as respondents.
