Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday morning under massive security following an ICPC investigation into alleged corruption during his eight-year tenure.
In a scene defined by unprecedented security measures, the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Dressed in a light green babanriga with a matching cap, the former FCT Minister remained inside a white Hilux vehicle for over 30 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom at 9:34 a.m. The arraignment follows a year-long investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into allegations of financial misappropriation and contract inflation totaling billions of Naira during his administration between 2015 and 2023.
The court premises, located at the old Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), were transformed into a virtual fortress from the early hours of the morning. A joint security task force—comprising operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Civil Defence—formed a protective cordon that effectively sealed off the area. Despite arriving as early as 7:00 a.m., dozens of journalists were strictly barred from entering the courtroom by DSS personnel, leading to a tense standoff outside the gates as the public clamored for transparency in the high-profile proceedings.
Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere remained hushed as the charges were reportedly read to the former governor. This legal move comes months after a Kaduna State House of Assembly committee report recommended his prosecution for allegedly diverting ₦423 billion through various state agencies. While El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations, labeling them a “politically motivated witch-hunt,” his appearance in the dock signals a significant shift in the anti-corruption drive of the current administration. As of midday Tuesday, legal teams are still arguing over bail conditions, while his supporters have gathered in small groups near the court perimeter, monitored closely by heavily armed Mobile Police units.
NEWS NOW:
