Security operatives has mounted heavy presence around the Federal High Court in Kaduna ahead of the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption-related offences.
Armed personnel drawn from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to strategic leading to the court premises located at the old Nigerian Defence Academy.
Vehicular movement in the area was restricted, forcing motorists into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo, resulting in early morning traffic disruptions.
The heightened security followed an earlier announcement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirming plans to arraign El-Rufai before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the anti-graft agency disclosed that El-Rufai would be arraigned alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering,” the statement read.
The ICPC further revealed that a separate charge had been filed against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
“Similarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,” the agency added.
According to the commission, both charges were filed this month, noting that the date for arraignment in the state court would be communicated in due course.
The agency also maintained that El-Rufai had been duly served, reaffirming its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
The arraignment comes amid growing pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which had called for either his immediate release or formal arraignment, describing his continued detention without charges as unconstitutional.
Similarly, the Muslim Rights Concern criticised his prolonged detention, while members of his family raised concerns over what they described as a violation of his fundamental rights.
Reports indicate that El-Rufai was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last month, granted bail, and later re-arrested by the ICPC.
