A dramatic legal showdown begins in Kaduna today as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigns former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The commission relocated El-Rufai to Kaduna under tight security to face a battery of charges bordering on alleged abuse of office and financial misconduct.

He is to face a 10-count charge at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

He will also be arraigned on a separate 10-count charge at the Kaduna State High Court at a later date.

El-Rufai is expected to account for the whereabouts of a $1,080,000 World Bank loan obtained for the state during his tenure as governor.

One of his erstwhile principal staff members has fled the country following the ICPC’s move to close in on him over the loan.

Another staff member, currently in a separate detention facility, has “made useful statements” to the ICPC ahead of the loan trial at the Kaduna State High Court, it was learnt.

It was gathered that moving El-Rufai under tight security was to forestall a breakdown of law and order around him, as happened when he returned from Cairo, Egypt, through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

A source added: “We also prioritised the safety of the suspect because many people, either for or against, are interested in el-Rufai’s trial. This is a high-profile matter.

“He has not been unjustly detained. We are even arraigning him 48 hours before the expiration of the valid court orders.

“It is left to him to make a case for his bail before the court. On merit, the court will consider his application. There is nothing adversarial or personal about this case.”

The source added: “El-Rufai was detained because of the many dimensions to the allegations against him, which we need to investigate.”

A statement by the Head, Media and Public Communications of the ICPC, John Okor Odey, reads: “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, March 24, 2026.

“The suit, with number FHC/KD/73/2026, has charges ranging from conversion and possession of public property to money laundering.

“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.

“Both charges were filed by the ICPC on March 18, 2026. The date of arraignment in the State High Court will be communicated at the appropriate time, as determined by the court.

“The ICPC wishes to inform the public that Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i has been duly served. The ICPC restates its commitment to adhering fully to due process and the rule of law at all times.”

Atiku seeks El-Rufai’s release
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called for El-Rufai’s release, saying no individual should be held over political differences.

Atiku made the call after returning to Nigeria from Umrah, also known as the lesser Hajj, where he had travelled for spiritual observance.

He led a delegation on a solidarity visit to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, shortly after his return.

Atiku warned against the use of state power to detain individuals based on ideological or political differences, noting that such actions undermine the rule of law and democratic governance.

“No one should be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political platform with the government of the day,” Atiku said.

He emphasised the need for fairness, justice, and respect for fundamental rights, calling on relevant authorities to act in accordance with the law and democratic norms.

Kaduna traders, sacked teachers demand compensation
Traders and sacked teachers in Kaduna State demanded compensation over alleged demolition of markets, homes and mass job losses during the El-Rufai administration.

Chairman of Rigasa Market Association, Alhaji Abduljaleel Abdullahi Namama, said traders were among the worst-hit, alleging that markets were demolished without compensation.

He said: “We were among the first traders whose market was demolished.

“The former governor promised to pay us compensation and rebuild the market, but nothing was done.”

Chairman of Kawo Market, Mohamed Idris, said many traders who once owned goods worth millions of naira had been rendered destitute following the demolitions.

A former teacher from Romi, Esther Moses, said she lost both her job and her home during the period, but had yet to receive her benefits after 18 years of service.

Source: The Nation News