ICPC Files Fraud Charges Against Ex-Governor El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed an amended nine-count fraud charge against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging abuse of office and financial misconduct. The charges were filed on April 10, 2026, at the Kaduna State High Court, replacing an earlier ten-count charge related to money laundering.

Defense counsel Ukpong Abang expressed surprise at the revised charges, stating that the defense team would review the allegations. The court subsequently adjourned the ruling on El-Rufai's bail application to April 14, 2026.

The ICPC accuses El-Rufai of inducing the Kaduna State government to confer a benefit of N11 billion to Indokaduna MRT JV for a light rail project that was allegedly not executed. Additional allegations include approving the receipt of N289.8 million significantly above the legal approval amount of N20 million and mismanagement of a World Bank loan.

El-Rufai is being tried alongside businessman Amadu Sule, but the revised charge list names him as the sole defendant following the withdrawal of his co-accused.