Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court as proceedings resumed in his ongoing trial.
The case was instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Video footage circulating online showed the former governor dressed in traditional attire as he made his way through a crowded court corridor filled with supporters, legal representatives, and observers.
Moments before entering the courtroom, El-Rufai was heard speaking with an associate about the upcoming African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention scheduled for Tuesday.
“So tomorrow is our convention, right?” he asked, to which the associate replied, “Insha Allah.”
El-Rufai is standing trial alongside Amadu Sule on several counts, including:
- Abuse of office
- Fraud
- Intent to commit fraud
- Conferring undue advantage
In a separate case before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, he is facing a 10-count charge also filed by the ICPC, involving alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud totaling ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million.
The former governor had earlier been held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before being transferred to ICPC custody.
He was later granted temporary release on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s burial but subsequently returned to custody.
The Federal High Court has fixed April 14, 2026, for his bail hearing — the same day as the ADC national convention.
The situation has sparked political reactions, with the ADC alleging that El-Rufai is being subjected to political persecution through the judicial process.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the claim.
El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence as legal proceedings continue.
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