Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, showed up for his purported money laundering trial at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday morning.
According to Naija News, the arraignment came after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) had already declared that the former governor will appear in court on March 24, 2026.
Several Charges Filed
The charges, which have been filed under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, center on alleged offenses relating to corruption.
El-Rufai is charged with a variety of offenses, including money laundering, conversion, and possession of public property.
Additional accusations include fraud, intent to conduct fraud, abuse of office, and giving undue advantage.
Prior to the sessions, security was considerably increased around the court grounds, as previously reported by Naija News.
The Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel were stationed in key areas.
As early as 7 a.m., there were extensive security checks at the court, which is housed in the former Nigerian Defence Academy. Vehicle traffic in the vicinity was also impacted by heightened security.
Early morning traffic congestion and delays resulted from drivers being limited to a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis via Kawo.
The Federal High Court in Kaduna will hear the arraignment, as the anti-corruption organization had already stated.
The formal reading of the accusations and the defendant’s plea are anticipated to mark the start of the trial, which could be a highly anticipated court struggle involving the former governor.
