Security was intensified on Tuesday around the Federal High Court in Kaduna ahead of the scheduled arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over alleged corruption-related offences.
From as early as 7 a.m., personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to strategic points near the court premises at the old Nigerian Defence Academy.
Traffic around the area was restricted, with vehicles diverted into a single lane from Ungwan Sarki through Kawo, leading to congestion during the morning rush hour.
The development follows an announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026. The charges reportedly include alleged conversion and possession of public property and money laundering.
The ICPC further revealed that another case involving El-Rufai and Amadu Sule had been filed before a Kaduna State High Court (case KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26), covering allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The date for the state court arraignment is yet to be announced.
The commission confirmed that El-Rufai had been properly served with the charges, stressing adherence to due process and the rule of law.
The arraignment comes after mounting pressure from stakeholders who had criticised the former governor’s detention without formal charges. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) previously called for either his immediate release or formal arraignment, describing prolonged detention without charges as unconstitutional.
