Before Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, was arraigned on Tuesday for alleged corruption-related offenses, security was increased outside the Federal High Court in Kaduna as agents from many security agencies took positions.
Heavily armed members of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were stationed at key points leading to the court premises at the former Nigerian Defence Academy as early as 7 a.m.
Early morning traffic difficulties resulted from the restricted vehicle movement in the area, which forced drivers from the Ungwan Sarki axis to Kawo into a single lane.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had already declared that El-Rufai would be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The former governor and Joel Adoga will be arraigned in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, according to a statement released on Monday by the commission’s head of media and public communications, John Odey.
The anti-graft organization claims that the defendants are accused of money laundering, conversion, and possession of public property.
The anti-graft organization claims that the defendants are accused of money laundering, conversion, and possession of public property.
The statement stated that on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission will arraign Joel Adoga and Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, the former governor of Kaduna State, at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division.
“The charges cover everything from money laundering to the conversion and possession of public property.”
The ICPC also disclosed that another charge had been filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
Counts pertaining to fraud, intent to conduct fraud, abuse of office, and conferring undue advantage are included in the case, designated KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26.
According to the commission, “a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division has received another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule.”
The commission said that both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, and that the state court arraignment date will be disclosed at a later time.
Additionally, it affirmed that El-Rufai had been properly served with the allegations, highlighting its dedication to the rule of law and due process.
Stakeholders who had previously criticized the former governor’s ongoing detention are putting increasing pressure on the arraignment.
