Security was visibly heightened on Tuesday around the Federal High Court in Kaduna as operatives from multiple agencies took positions ahead of the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on alleged corruption-related offences.

By 7:00 a.m., heavily armed personnel from the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to strategic points around the court premises at the old Nigerian Defence Academy. Vehicular movement was restricted, forcing motorists into a single lane from Ungwan Sarki through Kawo, causing significant traffic delays.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had announced that El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, with charges including conversion and possession of public property as well as money laundering.

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In a separate case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, El-Rufai and Amadu Sule face charges at a Kaduna State High Court for abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The ICPC said both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, with the date for the state court arraignment to be communicated later. The commission confirmed that El-Rufai had been duly served and emphasized its adherence to due process and the rule of law.

The arraignment follows mounting pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which demanded either the immediate release or formal arraignment of El-Rufai, describing his prior detention without charges as unconstitutional. The Muslim Rights Concern and members of El-Rufai’s family also criticized his prolonged detention.

El-Rufai was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, granted bail on February 18, and later re-arrested by the ICPC.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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