The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have arraigned the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, before a Kaduna State High Court over multiple allegations bordering on corruption and abuse of office.
El-Rufai was docked alongside a businessman, Amadu Sule, on charges that include abuse of office, fraud, attempted fraud, and the alleged granting of undue advantage during his tenure as governor.
The arraignment comes barely three days after the former governor laid his late mother to rest. She reportedly passed away in Cairo, Egypt, and was buried in Abuja on Sunday.
The case was heard by Justice Darius Khobo, who adjourned proceedings until April 10 for further hearing.
Counsel to El-Rufai, Ukpong Abang, declined to comment extensively on the development, noting that legal processes were still ongoing and that additional filings were expected as part of the defence strategy.
READ ALSO: El-Rufai appears in Court for long-awaited bail hearing as ICPC corruption trial intensifies
Security was significantly heightened around the court premises during the proceedings. Armed security operatives were stationed along the Anguwan Sarki to Kawo Road axis, restricting access to the court complex. Journalists were barred from entering the courtroom, limiting media coverage of the session.
The restriction of movement along a section of the busy road resulted in severe traffic congestion, leaving many commuters stranded for hours amid the prevailing high cost of petrol.
El-Rufai had been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19 before he was granted temporary release on March 28 on compassionate grounds following his mother’s death. With his arraignment now underway, legal observers anticipate a closely watched trial as the anti-corruption agency presses forward with the prosecution.