By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has provided fresh updates on the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, as legal proceedings continue in both the Federal High Court and the Kaduna State High Court.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Commission confirmed that the cases stem from an extensive investigation into El-Rufai’s tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023, focusing on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering.
El-Rufai, who was arrested on February 18, 2026, is currently facing a 10-count charge alongside one Joel Adoga before Justice Rilwan Aikawa at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. The charges include alleged possession and conversion of proceeds of corruption, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
According to the ICPC, the former governor is accused of receiving ₦289,826,998.12 as severance allowance—an amount significantly higher than his lawful entitlement of ₦20,013,245—between 2020 and 2023. He is also alleged to have received $797,900 through his domiciliary account with Guaranty Trust Bank from sources suspected to be linked to unlawful activities.
The Commission further alleged that El-Rufai conspired with Adoga to conceal the origin of $10,000 in 2019. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Parallel proceedings are also ongoing at the Kaduna State High Court, where El-Rufai was arraigned on April 13, 2026, on an amended nine-count charge bordering on abuse of office, fraud, and conferment of undue advantage under multiple state and federal laws.
At Tuesday’s sitting, Justice Darius Khobo adjourned the ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application to April 21, citing the need to complete the written decision. The court ordered that the former governor remain in ICPC custody pending the determination of the bail request.
However, in a related development, the Federal High Court granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum. The court stipulated that one surety must own property worth ₦200 million in Kaduna State with a valid Certificate of Occupancy, while the second must be a respected elder endorsed by a recognized elders’ council.
Additional bail conditions include the surrender of his international passport, monthly reporting to the ICPC headquarters, and restriction to a declared residence, with a mandatory 72-hour notice required for any change of address. The court also directed that he remain in custody until the bail conditions are fully met.
The Federal High Court further upheld the administrative bail earlier granted to the second defendant, Joel Adoga.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to due process and assured the public that the case is being prosecuted diligently and in line with the rule of law.
The Commission added that it will continue to provide updates as proceedings unfold in both courts.
