ICPC to arraign El-Rufai over alleged fraud, abuse of office Tuesday

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to arraign Nasir el-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday.

According to the commission, the charges filed on March 18 relate to the alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

In a statement issued on Monday, ICPC spokesperson, John Odey said the former governor will be arraigned alongside Joel Adoga.

Odey also disclosed that additional charges involving alleged abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to confer undue advantage have been filed at the Kaduna State High Court.

“Similarly, another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Malam Nasir El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule (LEDA), has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division,” the statement reads.

“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 ICPC wishes to inform the public that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has been duly served. The ICPC restates its commitment to adhering fully to due process and the rule of law at all times.”

The former Kaduna governor has been in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On March 5, a magistrate court extended his initial remand by an additional 14 days.

There have been increasing calls for the commission to either release or formally arraign him.

El-Rufai has also filed a fundamental rights suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the search of his residence by the ICPC and the remand order issued on February 19.

The ICPC, the chief magistrate who granted the order, the inspector-general of police (IGP), and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) are listed as respondents in the suit.

Reports further indicate that the ICPC has allegedly linked six real estate assets in Egypt to the former governor.