JUST IN: ICPC Fixes Date to Arraign El-Rufai Over Fraud, Money Laundering Charges
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has fixed Tuesday, March 24, 2026, for the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged fraud and money laundering offences. ca
Information made available to POLITICS NIGERIA indicates that the case will be heard at the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
The development comes after weeks of pressure from political groups, civil society organisations, and family members, who demanded that the former governor be either charged to court or released.
His continued detention had sparked debate across the country, with critics raising concerns about due process and constitutional rights.
In a statement issued 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 filed against them include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.
“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 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 ICPC said.
The anti-graft agency also revealed that a separate case has been filed against the former governor before a Kaduna State High Court. The case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, involves El-Rufai and another individual identified as Amadu Sule of LEDA.
According to the commission, the state-level charges include allegations bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
It added that both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, while the date for arraignment at the State High Court would be announced later by the court.
“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 the 18th of March, 2026. The date of arraignment in the State High Court will be communicated at the appropriate time as determined by the Court,” the agency said.
ICPC further stated that El-Rufai has been duly served with the charges and assured the public of its commitment to due process and adherence to the rule of law.
The planned arraignment follows growing reactions from different quarters. The African Democratic Congress had earlier demanded that the former governor be released or formally charged.
The Muslim Rights Concern also criticised what it described as prolonged detention without trial. Members of El-Rufai’s family had equally raised concerns over his continued stay in custody.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since mid-February. He was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, and granted bail two days later.
However, he was immediately re-arrested by the ICPC shortly after regaining his freedom.
