From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai appeared before the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday, facing charges of abuse of office and related offenses, just days after burying his mother.
El-Rufai, who arrived at the court around 9:45 a.m., maintained a calm demeanor despite his personal loss.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) filed charges against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule, accusing them of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and granting undue advantage.
The charges, filed on March 18, 2026, also include money laundering and conversion of public property.
In a related development, a Federal High Court in Kaduna postponed the hearing of El-Rufai’s bail application until Wednesday.
The adjournment followed proceedings held under tight security, reflecting increased public interest in the high-profile corruption trial.
Counsel for the ex-governor, Ukpong Akpan, confirmed the development shortly after the session but declined to provide details.
“I’m sorry, I can’t talk now; we are in the middle of work. I have to go file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been postponed until tomorrow,” he said.
The ICPC has not released additional information as the case continues in court. El-Rufai’s appearance in court comes after his release from ICPC custody on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s burial in Cairo, Egypt.
