The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has scheduled Tuesday, March 24, 2026, for the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations bordering on fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office.
According to information obtained by Politics Nigeria, the high-profile case will be heard at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal and political saga surrounding the former governor.
The arraignment date comes after weeks of mounting pressure from political stakeholders, civil society organisations, and members of El-Rufai’s family, who had consistently called for clarity on his legal status. Many had demanded that authorities either formally charge him in court or release him from custody, raising concerns about due process and respect for constitutional rights.
In a statement released on Monday, ICPC spokesperson John Odey confirmed that El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in a suit marked FHC/KD/73/2026. The commission disclosed that the charges against the defendants include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering offences.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i (M) and one Joel Adoga (M) at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, the 24th of March 2026. The suit with number FHC/KD/73/2026 has charges ranging from conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering,” the statement read.
Beyond the federal case, the anti-graft agency also revealed that a separate legal action has been instituted against El-Rufai at the state level. The case, filed before the Kaduna State High Court, is marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26 and involves another defendant identified as Amadu Sule of LEDA.
According to the ICPC, the charges in the state court case include allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The commission noted that both the federal and state charges were formally filed on March 18, 2026, while the date for arraignment at the State High Court would be announced in due course.
“Similarly, another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA), has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges in the State High Court case range from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, among others,” the commission added.
The ICPC further stated that El-Rufai has been duly served with the charges, emphasizing its commitment to transparency, due process, and adherence to the rule of law in handling the matter.
The impending arraignment follows widespread reactions across the country, particularly regarding El-Rufai’s prolonged detention. Critics had questioned the legality of holding a suspect without promptly bringing formal charges, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Among those who voiced concern is the African Democratic Congress, which had earlier called on authorities to either release the former governor or charge him in court without further delay. Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern criticised what it described as extended detention without trial, urging respect for fundamental human rights.
Family members of El-Rufai also joined in the calls, expressing anxiety over his continued stay in custody and appealing for fair treatment under the law.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since mid-February 2026. Reports indicate that he was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, over related allegations. Although he was granted bail two days later, he was immediately re-arrested by the ICPC shortly after regaining his freedom, a move that further fueled public debate.
Legal analysts note that the arraignment scheduled for March 24 will provide the former governor with the opportunity to formally respond to the allegations in court, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched legal battle.
As the date approaches, attention remains focused on the proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, with many Nigerians keenly observing how the case will unfold and what it could mean for accountability and governance in the country.
