ICPC Arraigns El-Rufai on Fraud and Money Laundering Charges

On Monday, October 23, 2023, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court. He faces nine counts related to alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.

The charges were presented by prosecuting counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha before Justice Dariu Khobo. El-Rufai, who was represented by his counsel Ubong Akpan SAN, pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The court granted a request to proceed with the trial against El-Rufai alone due to the absence of co-defendant Amadu Sule, who cited medical reasons. The prosecution urged the court to set a trial date and ensure measures were in place to compel the defendant's attendance.

A bail application was filed, and the court adjourned the matter until Tuesday to rule on the bail request. El-Rufai is also facing separate charges at the Federal High Court in Kaduna involving alleged abuse of office and fraud amounting to 579.6 million naira.