ICPC Files Nine Charges Against Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed an amended nine-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging multiple offenses including fraud and abuse of office. The charges were disclosed by counsel Ukpong Abang shortly before proceedings commenced at the Kaduna State High Court on Monday.

Abang explained that the prosecution had revised the charges, removing previous defenses. El-Rufai's defense team received the amended charges on Monday morning, making it impossible to hear the case entirely that day.

The court has adjourned the matter to Tuesday, April 14, to allow the defense adequate time to review the new charges. The charges include allegations of inducing the Kaduna State government in 2016 to confer benefits totaling N11 billion related to the Indokaduna MRT JV Nigeria Limited light rail project, and other offenses involving the approval of benefits far exceeding legal limits.

El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody until March 28, when he was temporarily released on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s burial.