The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey, said El-Ruffin was arraigned on Monday before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court.
According to Odey, the arraignment followed an amendment to the original joint charge by prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, separating El-Rufai’s trial from that of his co-defendant, Amadu Sule, who was absent in court due to a reported medical condition.
The court granted the application for amendment, allowing the prosecution to proceed against El-Rufai independently. The charges are said to involve alleged violations of the Corrupt Practices Act, Advance Fee Fraud Act, Kaduna State Penal Code and Public Procurement Law.
El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all nine counts after they were read to him in court.
Following the plea, the prosecution asked for a trial date and measures to ensure the defendant’s attendance, while the defence applied for bail on liberal terms.
Justice Khobo adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and ordered that El-Rufai be remanded in ICPC custody pending the decision.
