Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court as proceedings resumed in his ongoing trial instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Video footage posted by ARISE NEWS shows El-Rufai, in traditional Agbada dress, navigating a crowded courthouse corridor filled with supporters, legal representatives, and onlookers.
Moments before entering the courtroom, he was overheard speaking with an associate about the African Democratic Congress national convention scheduled for Tuesday.
“So tomorrow is our convention, right?” El-Rufai asked.
“Insha Allah (God willing),” the associate replied.
The exchange highlights El-Rufai’s continued active involvement in opposition politics despite the ongoing legal battle.
He is standing trial alongside Amadu Sule on multiple counts, including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
Separately, he faces a 10-count charge at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, also filed by the ICPC, involving alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud amounting to ₦579.6 million and $1.1 million.
El-Rufai has maintained his innocence.
The former governor has, since his return from Cairo, Egypt, on February 12, 2026, been battling cases in court.
He was first held in EFCC custody before ICPC.
He was released on compassionate grounds from the ICPC custody to bury his mother and had since returned to custody.
The Federal High Court in Kaduna, on April 1, fixed his bail hearing for April 14, the same day as the ADC convention.
The development comes amid claims by the ADC that the former governor is facing political persecution through the judicial process.
The ruling All Progressive Congress had dismissed the claims.
The Punch
