The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, before a Kaduna State High Court on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.

The arraignment took place on Monday before Justice Darius Khobo of High Court 5 in Kaduna, following an amendment to the original charge by the prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.

The amended charge separated El-Rufai’s trial from that of his co-defendant, Amadu Sule, who was absent in court due to a reported medical condition. The court granted the application, allowing the prosecution to proceed independently against the former governor.

El-Rufai was subsequently docked on nine amended counts alleging violations of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, the Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law 2017.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court.

Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a trial date and make necessary orders to ensure the defendant’s attendance throughout the proceedings. The defence, however, informed the court of a pending application and requested bail on liberal terms.

After hearing both parties, the court adjourned to April 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and ordered that El-Rufai be remanded in ICPC custody pending the decision.

In a statement by the Head, Media & Public Communications of the ICPC, J. Okor Odey, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing corruption cases in line with the law.

The case marks a significant development in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to prosecute high-profile corruption cases in the country.