RismadarVoice Reporters, April 13, 2026
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court as proceedings resumed in his ongoing trial instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Video footage circulating online showed El-Rufai, dressed in traditional agbada attire, making his way through a crowded courthouse corridor filled with supporters, legal representatives, and observers.
Moments before entering the courtroom, he was heard discussing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention scheduled for Tuesday, indicating his continued engagement in political activities despite the legal proceedings.
“So tomorrow is our convention, right?” El-Rufai asked an associate, who responded, “Insha Allah.”
El-Rufai is standing trial alongside Amadu Sule on multiple charges, including alleged abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
In a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, the former governor is facing a 10-count charge filed by the ICPC, bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud involving ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million.
The former governor has denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence.
Since returning from Cairo, Egypt, on February 12, 2026, El-Rufai has been entangled in legal battles, initially held in custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before being transferred to the ICPC.
He was briefly released on compassionate grounds to attend the burial of his mother but subsequently returned to custody.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Kaduna has fixed April 14 for his bail hearing—coinciding with the ADC national convention.
The development comes amid claims by the ADC that the prosecution of El-Rufai is politically motivated, an allegation yet to be substantiated by the prosecuting authorities.
