ICPC Arraigns El-Rufai In Court Over Alleged Corruption After His Mother’s Burial

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai before a Kaduna State High Court over alleged corruption offences.

The court case came barely three days after El-Rufai buried his mother, who reportedly died in Egypt.

He is facing charges for alleged abuse of office, fraud, attempted fraud, and allegedly giving unfair advantage to certain persons while he was in office.

The accusations are linked to an investigation into suspected financial misconduct during his time as governor between 2015 and 2023.

ICPC had arrested the former governor on February 18, 2026. After spending 34 days in custody, he was first brought before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24, 2026, alongside a co-defendant, Joel Adoga.

During the hearing, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Barrister Ubong Akpan, reminded the court that a petition against the trial judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, is still pending before the National Judicial Council.

In response, Justice Aikawa said he would go ahead with the arraignment of both defendants and later consider any formal application asking him to step away from the case.

The matter was then adjourned to March 31, 2026, for the hearing of El-Rufai’s bail application and other motions that may be filed for him and his co-defendant.

The case has continued to attract public attention, especially after ICPC allowed El-Rufai out of custody on compassionate grounds so he could attend his mother’s burial despite an existing remand order.

Many prominent political figures sent condolence messages and took part in the funeral, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, APC National Chairman, and several governors, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.

Other well-known political figures who also visited or sent condolences included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Peter Obi, and former ministers such as Abubakar Malami, Isa Pantami, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola.

On Tuesday, El-Rufai was again arraigned before the Kaduna State High Court alongside Amadu Sule over similar allegations, including abuse of office, fraud, attempted fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

He is also expected to appear before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where the court is set to hear his bail application.

ALSO READ: Nasir El-Rufai Released From ICPC Custody After Mother’s Death