ICPC Files Nine Charges Against Ex-Governor El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a nine-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging various corrupt practices during his tenure. The charges include fraud, abuse of office, and conspiracy, with specific allegations of inducing the Kaduna State government in 2016 to confer benefits worth N11 billion related to the Kaduna MRT light rail project, which was allegedly not executed.

Other counts accuse El-Rufai of dishonestly disposing of $1 million from a World Bank loan, violating loan agreements, and conspiring to offer inducements to compromise investigations. El-Rufai was previously arraigned alongside businessman Amadu Sule and has been in ICPC custody since February 19, released temporarily on March 28 for compassionate reasons.

The court, presided over by Justice Dariu Khobo, has set April 14 for a ruling on El-Rufai's bail application.