Kaduna, NIGERIA – Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, appeared before the Kaduna State High Court on Monday, April 13, 2026, as the legal battle over his alleged involvement in money laundering and the conversion of public property intensified.
Okay News understands that El-Rufai, who was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is facing a 10-count charge. Despite the former governor pleading not guilty to all counts, the court previously ordered that he remain in custody pending the determination of his bail application.
Dressed in a light brown traditional riga and appearing calm, El-Rufai was escorted to the court premises by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The atmosphere around the court remained charged as observers and legal experts noted the high stakes of the trial, given El-Rufai’s significant political history in northern Nigeria.
The presiding judge, Rilwanu Aikawa, had earlier adjourned the hearing to Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This upcoming session is expected to be pivotal, as the court will decide whether to grant the former governor bail or continue his detention while the ICPC presents its case. His legal team, led by Ubong Akpan (SAN), has maintained that they are prepared to argue for his release, while calls for transparency in the judicial process continue to grow among the public.
