Kaduna, Nigeria — Security was significantly heightened on Tuesday around the Federal High Court in Kaduna ahead of the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption-related offenses.
From as early as 7:00 a.m., heavily armed personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to key entry and exit points around the court, located near the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Traffic was disrupted as vehicles were forced into a single lane along the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo, creating gridlock in the area.
The arraignment follows an announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that El-Rufai would face trial alongside Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026. The charges reportedly involve alleged conversion and possession of public property and money laundering.
Additionally, the ICPC revealed that a separate case (KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26) had been filed against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule before the Kaduna State High Court, with counts including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. Both charges were filed on March 18, 2026, and the date for arraignment in the state court is yet to be announced. The commission emphasized that El-Rufai had been duly served and affirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
El-Rufai arrived at the Federal High Court at approximately 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle and remained inside for over 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom at 9:34 a.m. Dressed in a light green babanriga and cap, he was flanked by a protective cordon formed by ICPC and DSS operatives.
Journalists were barred from accessing the courtroom, limiting on-the-ground coverage of the proceedings.
This arraignment marks a high-profile moment in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, drawing attention to the ongoing scrutiny of public officials.
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