FORMER Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna under tight security, as proceedings in his bail application were adjourned to March 31, 2026.
News Point Nigeria reports that the high-profile court session, which drew significant public and media attention, marks the beginning of what is expected to be a prolonged legal battle over corruption-related allegations brought against the former governor.
El-Rufai arrived at the court premises around 9:00am in a Hilux vehicle, accompanied by heavily armed operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Dressed in a light green Babarriga with a matching cap, the former governor remained inside the vehicle for over 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom at approximately 9:34 a.m. under heavy guard.
Security had been significantly reinforced around the court premises, located within the old Nigerian Defence Academy area, with armed personnel stationed at key entry points to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Supporters and observers gathered outside the venue, while journalists who arrived as early as 7:00 a.m. were denied access to the courtroom by DSS operatives.
The arraignment followed charges filed by the ICPC under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, bordering on alleged corruption and financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.
According to the Commission, the charges include allegations of conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
The former governor is being arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga.
In a statement issued earlier, ICPC spokesperson, John Okor Odey, disclosed that the charges were filed on March 18, 2026, as part of the agency’s ongoing anti-corruption drive.
In addition to the Federal High Court proceedings, the ICPC has also instituted a separate case against El-Rufai and another individual, Amadu Sule, before the Kaduna State High Court.
The case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, includes allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The commission noted that a date for the state court hearing would be communicated in due course.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant El-Rufai bail, arguing that it is his constitutional right and necessary to enable him adequately prepare his defence.
Akpan maintained that the former governor posed no flight risk and would fully cooperate with the court process.
However, the prosecution opposed the bail application, citing the gravity of the charges and the possibility that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.
After listening to arguments from both sides, the court adjourned ruling on the bail application to March 31, 2026.
The heavy security deployment, restriction of media access, and presence of supporters underscore the sensitivity of the case, which is expected to attract nationwide attention in the coming weeks.