By Abubakar Yunusa
The decision by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to file a 10-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has placed one of Nigeria’s most prominent politicians at the centre of what could become one of the country’s most closely watched corruption trials.
The charges, filed before the Kaduna State High Court, accused the former governor and a co-defendant, Ahmadu Sule (Leda), of offences ranging from alleged abuse of office and contract fraud to criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and violations of procurement laws.
The ICPC, acting on behalf of the Federal Government, is asking the court to determine whether the allegations can be established beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the charge sheet, prosecutors alleged that El-Rufai, while serving as Governor of Kaduna State, fraudulently induced the state government to release N11 billion to an entity identified as IndoKaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited, for the construction of a light rail project that was never executed.
The commission further alleged that the company was not officially registered at the time the funds were released, raising questions over the legality of the transaction.
Another major allegation centres on severance benefits allegedly received by the former governor.
The prosecution claimed that El-Rufai approved and received N289.8 million as severance allowance, despite allegedly being entitled to about N20 million under the remuneration approved for public office holders.
ICPC argued that the payment amounted to an unlawful advantage allegedly conferred on himself while in office.
The anti-graft agency also accused the former governor of dishonestly disposing of more than $1 million said to be part of a World Bank loan obtained by the Kaduna State Government, alleging that the funds were used in violation of the loan agreement.
The charge further alleged that procurement procedures were breached in the award of a multi-billion-naira CCTV surveillance contract to Singularity Network Security Limited.
According to the prosecution, the contract was awarded in disregard of Kaduna State procurement laws and conferred an unfair advantage on the company.
ICPC also alleged that El-Rufai and another defendant conspired in the revocation and reallocation of a parcel of land along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway.
The commission claimed the land, originally allocated to one Mohammed Umar Karage, was revoked and subsequently reassigned to companies allegedly linked to the second defendant.
In one of the most far-reaching allegations, prosecutors claimed that attempts were made in 2025 to offer financial inducements to investigators handling an ongoing investigation involving Singularity Network Security Limited.
That allegation forms part of the commission’s conspiracy charge before the court.
To support its case, the ICPC has lined up investigators who are expected to testify on how the commission handled petitions submitted against officials of the Kaduna State Government.
According to the proof of evidence, the investigators are expected to tell the court that petitions alleged the mismanagement of domestic and foreign loans amounting to over N98.9 billion and $758 million obtained during El-Rufai’s administration.
The prosecution also intends to present documentary evidence obtained from commercial banks, government agencies and the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
Investigators are expected to testify that financial records, account statements and other documents formed part of the evidence gathered during the investigation.
The proof of evidence further stated that investigators would tell the court that over N11 billion allegedly paid into the account of IndoKaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited was transferred before the company’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The prosecution also plans to present evidence relating to interest allegedly earned on the deposited funds and how the money was subsequently utilised.
On the land dispute, investigators are expected to testify that documents obtained from the Kaduna Geographic Information Service and statements from relevant officials formed part of the commission’s findings.
The prosecution also stated that investigators would tell the court they confronted the former governor with documents obtained during the investigation, but alleged that he elected not to respond in writing.
The filing of the charges represents another major test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, particularly as it involves a former governor who remains an influential political figure.
Legal experts say the prosecution now carries the burden of proving every allegation beyond reasonable doubt.
They also note that the criminal charges remain allegations until determined by the court.
For El-Rufai and his co-defendant, the legal battle is only beginning.
For the ICPC, the case presents another opportunity to demonstrate its resolve to pursue high-profile corruption cases regardless of political status.
As proceedings commence before the Kaduna State High Court, attention will focus not only on the evidence presented by the prosecution but also on the defence that will be mounted by the accused persons.
Ultimately, it will be the court—not the allegations contained in the charge—that determines where the scales of justice finally rest.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
