Former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, was arraigned on corruption charges in the state capital on Tuesday amidst tight security.

He was charged at a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State, which after the opening arguments adjourned proceedings on the bail application of former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to 31 March 2026.

Ahead of Tuesday’s arraignment, security presence in the Kaduna State capital and around the court premises was significantly heightened, with armed personnel stationed at key entry points to forestall any breakdown of law and order, as supporters and observers gathered outside.

The decision followed Tuesday’s hearing, during which legal arguments were presented by both the prosecution and the defence.

At the session, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant his client bail, citing his constitutional rights and the need to allow the former governor adequate time to prepare his defence. However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the charges against El-Rufai are serious and that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.

El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption and abuse of office. The Commission accused him of financial misconduct during his tenure.

Meanwhile, journalists were barred from entering the courtroom to witness the proceedings.

El-Rufai was arraigned alongside Mr. Joel Adoga before the Kaduna Federal High Court.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. John Okor Odey, the arraignment followed charges filed under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026. The charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

In a related development, the ICPC has also filed a separate case against El-Rufai and Mr. Amadu Sule before the Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, contains allegations ranging from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.

The Commission disclosed that both charges were instituted on 18 March 2026 as part of its ongoing efforts to enforce accountability and combat corruption.

While the arraignment at the Federal High Court took place on Tuesday, the date for hearing at the State High Court is yet to be announced and will be communicated in due course. The ICPC further confirmed that the former governor has been duly served with the charges.