By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, returned to the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday for formal arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai, who had spent over a month in detention, faces a 10-count charge, including alleged conversion and possession of public property and money laundering.

This appearance follows his temporary release to attend the funeral of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

The funeral prayer took place on Sunday at the Central Mosque, Abuja, and was attended by prominent Nigerian figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

El-Rufai’s court return was marked by heavy security, with video footage showing him arriving in a white pickup truck, dressed in a light-blue agbada with a matching cap and a yellow-patterned inner garment.

The court session on March 31, 2026, was scheduled to address pending applications, including his bail request.

El-Rufai is to be arraigned alongside Amadu Sule on charges of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

Following this arraignment, ICPC is expected to transfer him to the Federal High Court in Kaduna for consideration of his bail application.

El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations against him, maintaining his innocence throughout legal proceedings.

The arraignment and related court proceedings have drawn widespread public attention, highlighting ongoing anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.

This case underscores questions around governance, legal accountability, and political influence in Nigeria’s justice system.

Observers are closely monitoring how the judiciary will handle high-profile corruption cases and the implications for future political leaders.