ICPC Amends Charges Against El-Rufai, Drops Co-Defendant

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) amended charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai during a court session on Monday. The court dropped co-defendant Amadu Sule from the case due to health concerns, as he is undergoing medical treatment.

El-Rufai now faces nine counts of corruption, including allegations of authorizing the release of N11 billion for an unregistered light rail project that was reportedly not executed. Additional charges include approving the receipt of N289.8 million in benefits exceeding legal entitlements and mismanaging part of a World Bank grant amounting to $1.08 million.

The ICPC also alleges that El-Rufai conspired to influence investigations involving private companies, including irregularities in awarding a N4.6 billion contract for closed-circuit television in Kaduna. The presiding judge, Dariu Khobo, adjourned the matter until Tuesday, April 14, to hear El-Rufai's bail application.