El-Rufai Arraigned on Corruption Charges, Bail Hearing Set

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, was brought before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 18, 2026, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on multiple counts of corruption-related offenses. Justice Rilwan M.

Aikawa presided over the arraignment, which involved allegations concerning the deposit of public funds into El-Rufai's domiciliary account. His counsel, Ubong Akpan, expressed concerns regarding the proceedings, citing a pending matter involving the presiding judge.

The case has been adjourned to March 31, 2026, for a bail hearing and to address other pending applications. Akpan clarified that no bail application was made during the arraignment.

Additionally, a separate case has been filed against El-Rufai in the Kaduna State High Court, involving allegations of abuse of office and intent to commit fraud.