ICPC to arraign El-Rufai on Tuesday in Kaduna over fraud and money laundering allegations

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to arraign former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 31.

According to a statement by ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey, the charges filed on March 18 include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. El-Rufai is expected to be arraigned alongside Joel Adoga.

The commission also disclosed that a separate case has been filed at a Kaduna State High Court, involving allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to confer undue advantage.

Part of the statement read: “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 charges in the State High Court case range from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, among others. Both charges were filed by the ICPC 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.”

Following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in February, El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody. A magistrate court had earlier approved a 14-day extension of his remand on March 5. The situation has drawn criticism and pressure from opposition figures, calling for either formal charges or his release.

In response, El-Rufai filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging both the search conducted at his residence and the legality of the remand order issued on February 19.