The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. He faces charges related to alleged corruption, including fraud and money laundering.
The upcoming arraignment follows sustained pressure from various stakeholders, notably the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has called for El-Rufai’s immediate release or formal arraignment. The ADC described his prolonged detention without charges as a breach of constitutional rights. Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern condemned his extended detention by security agencies, while members of El-Rufai’s family have demanded his prompt arraignment, voicing concern over his continued confinement.
According to a statement issued on Monday by ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, El-Rufai alongside one Joel Adoga will be arraigned under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026 at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. The charges include conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i (M) and one Joel Adoga (M) at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, the 24th March 2026. The suit with number FHC/KD/73/2026 has charges ranging from conversion of and possession of public property, to money laundering,” the statement read.
In addition to this, ICPC disclosed a related case against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule (LEDA) filed before a Kaduna State High Court. The case, numbered KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, involves charges such as abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
“Similarly, another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA), has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges in the State High Court case range from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, among others. Both charges were filed by the ICPC on the 18th of March, 2026. The date of arraignment in the State High Court will be communicated at the appropriate time as determined by the Court,” the agency added.
ICPC affirmed that El-Rufai has been duly served with the charges and reiterated its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
OBSERVERS TIMES recalled that , El-Rufai was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, granted bail two days later, but was subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC, where he has remained in custody amidst calls for formal arraignment.
