Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, appeared before the High Court and Federal High Court in Kaduna today, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, less than three days after the burial of his mother, for hearing regarding his ongoing legal battles with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai was first arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court, alongside one Amadu Sule, for alleged offences ranging from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, among others.
Proceedings at the Federal High Court
Pending applications were heard today, most notably the bail request filed by El-Rufai’s legal team.
El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Ubong Akpan, reminded the court of a pending petition against the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, currently before the National Judicial Council (NJC). However, despite the defense’s concerns regarding the judge’s impartiality, Justice Aikawa proceeded with the hearing of the applications.
After hearing arguments from both the ICPC and the defense, the court adjourned the matter to April 1, 2026, for further consideration of the bail application.
Summary of the Legal Battles
El-Rufai’s current legal woes stem from his eight-year tenure as Governor of Kaduna State between 2015–2023. He faces a 10-count charge alongside co-defendant Joel Adoga.
Key Allegations:
- Money Laundering: Accusations of unlawfully receiving over ₦579 million in excess severance allowances, far beyond the legally mandated 300% of his basic salary.
- Foreign Currency Misconduct: Allegations involving the control of hundreds of thousands of US Dollars through domiciliary accounts, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
- Abuse of Office: Charges of conferring undue advantages and fraud during his administration.
The case has been shrouded in deep public debate following the ICPC’s decision to release El-Rufai from custody last week on compassionate grounds. The former governor was permitted to attend the burial of his mother, Hajiya Umma, who passed away in Egypt on March 27. The burial was well attended with over 10 Governors present and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also in attendance.