Kaduna, Nigeria – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), a federal anti-graft agency in Nigeria, has announced plans to arraign the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. The arraignment is scheduled to take place before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, a state located in the north-western region of the country, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
The decision comes after significant pressure from various groups advocating for his release or formal charging. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a political party in Nigeria, had previously demanded immediate action, stating that holding the former governor without charges violated his constitutional rights. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a human rights organisation, also criticised the extended detention of Nasir El-Rufai by Nigerian security agencies. In addition, his family members have publicly expressed worry over his prolonged stay in custody and requested a swift court appearance.
John Odey, the Head of Media and Public Communications for the commission, released a statement on Monday, March 23, 2026. He confirmed that Nasir El-Rufai and another individual identified as Joel Adoga will face charges at the Kaduna Judicial Division of the Federal High Court. The charges include the 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 agency stated.
Okay News reports that the commission has also filed a separate set of charges against Nasir El-Rufai and a man named Amadu Sule before the Kaduna State High Court. These state-level charges involve allegations of fraud, intent to commit fraud, conferring an undue advantage, and abuse of office.
“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 explained.
The commission noted that the former governor has received the legal documents and reiterated its dedication to the rule of law. Prior to this, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had detained Nasir El-Rufai on Friday, February 16, 2026. After being granted bail on Sunday, February 18, 2026, he was immediately taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He has remained in their facilities since that time, prompting the recent demands for a formal trial.
