ICPC Arraigns Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai Over Alleged N579.6 Million and $1.1 Million
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, alongside one Joel Adoga, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna over alleged corruption-related offences involving about N579.6 million and $1.1 million.
The defendants were brought before Justice A.I. Aikawa of the court on a 10 count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud.
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/KD/73/2026, the anti-corruption agency alleged that El-Rufai unlawfully received large sums of money in both naira and foreign currency while serving as the Governor of Kaduna State.
The commission stated that in September 2020 and January 2023, the former governor allegedly received N289,826,998.12 on each occasion as severance allowance an amount far above the legally approved N20,013,245.00, which represents 300 percent of his annual basic salary.
ICPC further alleged that between 2016 and 2023, El-Rufai took control of several dollar deposits through his domiciliary account with Guaranty Trust Bank. These deposits reportedly include $320,800 allegedly paid in tranches by Joel Adoga, as well as additional deposits of $155,800, $305,300, and other smaller sums from different individuals suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The commission also accused Joel Adoga of conspiring with the former governor in July 2019 to conceal the origin of $10,000 deposited into the said account.
One of the charges alleged that both defendants conspired in Wuse, Abuja, to disguise the origin of the funds, knowing or reasonably expected to know that the money formed part of proceeds from unlawful activities. The offence is said to be contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
When the charges were read in court, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Justice Aikawa subsequently adjourned the case to March 31, 2026, for further hearing and ordered that the defendants be remanded in ICPC custody pending the next adjourned date.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to strengthening accountability and transparency in public office, urging Nigerians to continue supporting the fight against corruption.
