ICPC Files Nine New Charges Against El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed nine fresh charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in an ongoing corruption trial. The charges, presented during a session at the Kaduna State High Court on Monday, allege high-level corruption and financial misconduct during El-Rufai's tenure.

Lead counsel Ukpong Abang stated that the defense team was blindsided by the new charges, which were received just as the court began its session. The prosecution has dropped previous charges against El-Rufai, leaving him as the sole defendant.

The charges include allegations of influencing state government payments totaling N11 billion related to the Kaduna Light Rail project and unauthorized approval of N289.8 million. The ICPC also accuses El-Rufai of attempting to compromise federal investigations regarding a multi-billion naira CCTV contract.

A ruling on El-Rufai's bail application is scheduled for April 14, with the case highlighting significant legal challenges for the former governor.