A high-profile court case is set to begin in Kaduna as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) brings former Governor Nasir El-Rufai before the court over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.
The former governor was moved to Kaduna under heavy security ahead of his arraignment at the Federal High Court, where he is expected to face multiple charges. A separate case involving additional allegations has also been filed at the Kaduna State High Court and will be heard at a later date.
Central to the case is a World Bank loan exceeding one million dollars obtained during his time in office, with authorities seeking clarity on how the funds were managed. Investigations have reportedly expanded to include former aides, with one said to have left the country and another currently in custody providing information to investigators.
Officials noted that the heightened security around El-Rufai’s transfer was necessary due to the sensitive nature of the case and strong public interest surrounding the proceedings.
The anti-corruption agency maintained that due process has been followed, stating that the charges include offences such as financial mismanagement, unlawful possession of public funds, and related infractions.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for fairness in the handling of the case, cautioning against actions that could be perceived as politically motivated. He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights, regardless of political differences.
In a separate development, some Kaduna residents, including traders and former public workers, have raised concerns over policies implemented during El-Rufai’s administration. They alleged that demolitions of markets and job losses affected their livelihoods, with calls for compensation still unresolved.
The case is expected to draw significant attention as legal proceedings unfold in the coming days.
