By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
The former governor pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read before Honourable Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court.
This was contained in a press release issued by the Head of Media and Public Communications, ICPC, J. Okor Odey, on Monday.
The charges, according to the Commission, involve alleged violations of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006, Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law 2017.
“El-Rufai was subsequently arraigned on nine amended charges… upon the reading of the charges, he pleaded not guilty,” the statement said.
The ICPC explained that the charges were amended to separate his trial from that of his co-defendant, Amadu Sule.
“The amendment became necessary due to the continued absence of the second defendant… who was unavailable in court on account of a medical condition,” the Commission stated.
Following the amendment, the court granted the application, allowing the prosecution to proceed with El-Rufai’s arraignment independently.
Counsel to the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial and ensure the defendant’s attendance throughout the proceedings.
In response, the defence counsel informed the court of a pending application and requested bail on liberal terms.
After hearing both parties, the court adjourned for ruling on the bail application until April 14, 2026.
The court also ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody pending the determination
of his bail application
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