Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, yesterday pleaded ‘not guilty’ to allegations of money laundering and conversion of public property, as a Federal High Court in Kaduna adjourned proceedings to March 31, 2026, for the hearing of his bail application and commencement of trial.
El-Rufa’i, who was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged financial improprieties. However, his legal team maintained that he is directly linked to only one of the counts.
The former governor was brought to court under heavy security presence, with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and other agencies deployed within and around the premises. He was reportedly kept in a vehicle for about 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom, while journalists were barred from the proceedings, raising concerns over transparency.
During the arraignment, El-Rufa’i’s counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant him bail to enable adequate preparation for his defence. The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that granting bail at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations. The court subsequently adjourned the bail hearing to March 31.
Speaking after the session, defence counsel described the charges as minor, noting that they largely relate to deposits into El-Rufa’i’s domiciliary account and the monetisation of his earnings. He also explained that although a bail application had been filed, it could not be heard on the day of arraignment.
The ICPC confirmed that El-Rufa’i was arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga, while a separate case before a Kaduna State High Court involves allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
El-Rufa’i has remained in ICPC custody since February 19, shortly after his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had earlier detained him on February 16 and granted him bail on February 18 before his re-arrest.
Reports indicate that while in ICPC custody, he exercised his right to remain silent during questioning and had earlier filed a fundamental rights suit challenging both the search of his residence and his remand order.
With the case now adjourned, attention shifts to March 31, when the court is expected to rule on his bail application and take further steps in the trial.
